You guys have no idea how incredibly sorry I am. I have had so much crap going on that I just haven't been able to write anything. And when I do write, it's such utter crap that I can't let anyone read it. But here's the next chapter. I hope it's all right.

I, sadly, do not own anything related to Harry Potter.

Chapter 4

Minerva sighed as she watched the beautiful creature traipse out of her room. At least the conversation had gone better than she thought… Though there was no way she was getting any sleep tonight. She slowly stood up and trudged to her bed, laying down and picking up a book she had started recently. Might as well get something done tonight.

Minerva's hand shot out to her wand to keep it from ringing. 'Damn early mornings.' She muttered as she rolled out of bed. She had finally gotten to sleep not three hours ago. She got up and shambled about her room, slowly getting her things together. Her mood brightened considerably when she remembered why she was up so early though, so she arrived with high spirits in Hermione's room.

She smiled as she looked down at the sleeping Hermione. Apparently, she wasn't the only one who didn't get any sleep the night before. She eased herself onto the side of the younger woman's bed. "Hermione." She gently shook her shoulder. "Hermione, dear. Wake up."

Hermione moaned in her sleep. She heard Minerva's voice and smiled. This dream was too good to be true. She encircled her arms around Minerva's neck and drew her in for a passionate kiss. Halfway through, her eyes fluttered open and she gasped, pulling away. "I'm so sorry. I thought I was still dreaming. I-"

Minerva leaned in and captured her lips once more. "Stop apologizing." She muttered when she pulled back. "I rather enjoyed it."

Hermione blushed and then glanced at her clock. "I guess I forgot to set it last night… I was up rather late."

"As was I." Minerva smiled gently at Hermione. "Would you like me to leave so that you may prepare yourself for the day?" She started to rise from the bed.

Hermione shook her head and grabbed Minerva's hand, keeping her in place. "You can stay. Make yourself comfortable." She rolled agily out of bed and started toward the bathroom. "I'll be in the shower if you need me." She followed this with a wink and a smirk before turning back to the bathroom.

Minerva gaped after her, a blush tinting her cheek. Had she really just that? She shook her head violently. No. Nothing was going to happen… Yet…

"Minerva?" A soft hand was caressing her face. She blearily opened her eyes to gaze up into chocolate ones. She smiles. "I am sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."

Hermione smiled gently down at Minerva. "It's alright, really." A blush crept onto her features. "It's a nice sight seeing you so peaceful."

Minerva returned the blush and quickly got up. "Are you ready to go?"

Hermione nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose." She smiled. "And you?"

Minerva grinned. "I'm anxious, but I'm soon to be married to the most beautiful and intelligent with I have ever met." Hermione's blush deepened. "So in answer to your question, yes. I am ready." She walked to the fireplace and took some Floo Powder out of her pocket, offering it to Hermione. She half-bowed. "Ladies first." She smirked and winked.

Hermione slapped her playfully. "Don't mind if I do." She took a pinch of it and threw it into the fire, clearly stating "Ministry of Magic" before being whisked away.

Minerva smiled and then followed Hermione. She gracefully stepped out on the other side, quickly locating the younger brunette. "Shall we?" She proffered her arm to Hermione.

Hermione smiled sweetly and took it. "I believe we shall."

Minerva led Hermione down a long hall after receiving their badges. She stopped in front of a door marked MARRIAGES and turned to Hermione. "Are you sure about this? You can still back out now…"

Hermione shook her head. "I'm sure. I know what I'm doing." She smiled up at Minerva. "Are you sure?"

Minerva chuckled. "If you can do it, so can I." She grinned and her long arm reached out so that her elegant hand could gently grasp the polished doorknob and turn it, letting the door smoothly glide open. The room revealed was in utter chaos. On one side stood the couples who were obviously there of their own accord. The other side held…well…the rest. The employees running around the room each held a bag of magically sizing gold bands so they could bond the influx of couple.

A frazzled looking Justice of the Peace hurried up to them, introducing himself as Mike. "I really don't have time for you two right now. We don't have any spare males at the moment so I'm afraid you will have to wait to be petitioned for."

Minerva rolled her eyes and as soon as Mike paused for breath, she interrupted. "We're actually here to get married…to each other."

Mike's eyes widened and he stammered, blushing. "Oh, right. Er… What type of wedding do you want?"

Minerva looked over at Hermione who shrugged. "I think we'll settle for a simple one."

Mike smiled. "Good. You were going to get it anyway. Are you ready then?" Both Minerva and Hermione nodded. "Alright then. Follow me." He turned and led the two women to a desk in the corner. He pulled a marriage license out of the top drawer along with two quills and ink. "If you will both print your names on the desired line." He glanced at Minerva. "Have you decided who will take whose last name?"

Minerva turned to Hermione. "What would you like?"

Hermione again shrugged. "I suppose we'll take yours. I would prefer it."

Mike nodded and looked Minerva. "If you will put your name on the HUSBAND line it will automatically change to WIFE and when you sign your names, both will need to be signed with your last name." He handed one quill to Minerva and the other to Hermione. After they signed their names, Mike picked up the license and told the two women to face each other. "Minerva McGonagall, do you take Hermione Granger to be your wife?"

Minerva smiled and looked into the rich chocolate eyes before her. "I do." As soon as the words left her mouth, a solid gold band of magic shot from Mike's wand and wound itself around the women's hands. Minerva and Mike stared wide-eyed at the glowing band, but neither dared speak save for the continuation of the bond.

"And do you, Hermione Granger, take Minerva McGonagall to be your wife?"

Hermione smiled. "I do." Another band, this time white, shot from Mike's wand and melded together with the gold already shimmering around their wrists. When the two were fully fused, the single band sank into the joined hands, filling both with a warm energy that pulsated. Hermione looked quizzically at Minerva who shook her head and mouthed "later".

Mike lowered his wand and slowly put the paper back onto the desk. "All that's left id for you to sign the bottom lines…"

Minerva and Hermione each picked up a quill and signed at the same time. When they straightened up, the license vanished and Mike smiled. "You may now kiss the bride." What he wasn't expecting was for the two to be serious about it.

Florean Fortescue himself sat down beside Minerva across from Hermione. With him, he brought three humungous bowls of ice cream. He smiled jovially at Minerva. "Minerva, my dear! How have you been? I haven't seen you in ages." He took a large bite out of his ice cream. "Speaking of, what brings you out here during the school year anyway? With a student no less. " His smile was then turned to Hermione. "And a charming one at that. I do believe I've seen you before. You're a friend of Harry Potter."

Hermione blushed and nodded. Minerva, taking her chance while Florean took another bit, answered his questions. "I am doing quite well actually. The reason I am not at the school today is that I was getting married to the wonderful student sitting before you. Her name is Hermione Granger and she is the brightest witch of her age." Hermione's blush deepened and her interest in her chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream intensified.

Florean laughed. "And I daresay the most attractive. But you've gone and made her uncomfortable now. Say, Hermione. Any nice, young men at Hogwarts?" Minerva swatted his arm. "Oi, right. I can see when I'm not wanted." He picked up himself and his remaining ice cream. "Good luck to you both." He winked at Minerva and then left the two alone.

Minerva grinned at Hermione's blush. "Sorry about him. He thinks that just because he's gay he can charm anyone."

Hermione laughed. "Really? I'd have never guessed. It's quite all right, though. I rather like him. I'm just not used to being admired like that."

Minerva shook her head. "You're going to have to get used to it. Especially once you meet Angus."

Hermione cocked her head. "And who might Angus be?"

Minerva flinched. "My cousin… There's a reason I don't bring people home often…"

Hermione chuckled. "That bad, eh?" Minerva nodded. "Then I'm sure I'll love him."

Minerva grimaced. "That's what I'm afraid of…"

Hermione grinned and stood. "Are you ready to get back?" Another nod from Minerva. "Me too." Minerva stood up also and they headed towards the Leaky Cauldron. When they reached the back lot, Hermione placed her hand on Minerva's arm, effectively ending the light conversation. "Minerva, I just wanted to say how sorry I am."

Minerva cocked her eyebrow. "Whatever do you mean, Hermione?"

Hermione hung her head. "I wasn't exactly the best date today. But I would really like to do this more often…"

Minerva chuckled. "My dear, you were a fabulous date. I am much looking forward to the next one."

Hermione looked up in disbelief. "Do you really mean it?"

Minerva nodded. "Of course I do. Now," She paused and a mischievous look came over her face. "am I to get a kiss on the first date?"

Hermione's face lit up. "Possibly." She stepped back a few paces towards the door of the Leaky Cauldron." But only if you're willing to come get it." She grinned cheekily and sprinted to the door, preparing to throw it open. Minerva was quicker though and managed to pin Hermione to the wall.

"Like this?" Minerva whispered huskily into Hermione's ear who nodded. "Good." She pulled back to look into Hermione's eyes before capturing soft lips with her own. A moan escaped her lips before she could retain it and she pulled away, flushed.

Hermione slowly opened her eyes and gazed into the emerald ones inches away. "Now I really hope we go out again. I could definitely live with more of those." She grinned. "Ready to go back?"

Minerva nodded slowly. "I suppose. You don't think we can maybe take the scenic route back… Do you?"

Hermione laughed gaily. "If you insist, but I'd much rather see the look on people's faces when we arrive as flushed as we are."

Minerva sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine. We'll do it your way, but it's going to cost you."

Hermione quirked her eyebrow. "Oh, really? And what would that price be?"

Half an hour later, the former Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was startled awake in his portrait by two very flushed witches fall giggling madly out of the fireplace. His eyes twinkled madly when he recognized the two as Hermione and Minerva.

I again want to apologize for the long period between updates. Please don't kill me for it. I am also sorry for the quality of this chapter. It was just too informational to be fun.

Be kind… Please…