You made yourself perfectly clear, Minister, which is why Professor McGonagall and I are, regretfully, unmarried, Minerva was impressed by how Albus handled himself around the Minister of Magic, even though most of what he said was lies.
Minerva, is this true?
Professor Dumbledore and I have a relationship as friends, but more so, one that is strictly professional.
I am glad to hear that. Now, if you ll excuse me, I have some other business to attend to.
Minister, I would appreciate if you would apologize for assuming one of my professors and I would elope.
Madame McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore, I apologize for assuming more of your relationship, the Minister s face became slightly more pink before he disaparated, leaving the newly wedded couple alone.
They both waited several minutes before turning to each other and breaking into wide smiles.
"We would never elope, would we, Albus?" Minerva smiled as she wrapped her arms around her husband.
"But that would go against the Minister's wishes!" Albus laughed, "Now come, I believe Severus is eager for our return."
Albus held out his arm and Minerva threaded her arm into the crook of his elbow. He led the way and she followed as they walked down to breakfast in the Great Hall. The talking in the Hall ceased for moment when the couple entered, only to rise and swell after a few seconds. Albus pulled her chair out and allowed her to sit before he left the table and went to his podium.
"Good morning, students! As you can see, Professor McGonagall and I have returned from helping the Minister of Magic. I hope all went well in out absence. Now, I am famished, so let us eat!"Albus clapped his hands and the food appeared as he took his seat.
The rest of the day went quickly, leaving behind a large pile of papers to grade. Combined with the past two days of work, Minerva had plenty to do. She sat at her desk in the late afternoon light, her pen scribbling away at the parchment labeled with Ronald Weasley s name. She didn t pay much attention to the actual writing, her mind thinking of her wedding with Albus. She smiled at the happy memory before a knock brought her back to reality, and the ink spilling over her desk. Scourgify! Minerva thought, as she stood up to open the door. There stood Ms. Granger, still in her school robes, with a pile of books in her hands.
Can I help you, Ms. Granger? Minerva couldn t think of a single reason why her student would be here.
May I come in, Professor? Ms. Granger countered.
Minerva moved aside as Ms. Granger entered and shut the door behind her.
Is everything alright?
Professor, I wanted to say, congratulations.
For?
Ms. Granger paused, her face contorting slightly in confusion.
Ms. Granger, are you okay?
.
Minerva took a step back at the slurred together words of her student.
Calm down, and say it slowly. Someone else asked you to do this, didn t they?
Hermione blushed profusely, Yes .
I know you haven t finished your Transfiguration essay, and I believe Professor Snape assigned one as well. I suggest you get to work on them, especially as how Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley will be requiring your help on theirs. Minerva smiled despite her subject change as Hermione s shoulders relaxed and she sighed.
I suppose you re right, Professor. Sorry for bothering you.
It s quite alright.
Hermione left and Minerva shut the door before returning to her desk and the papers that awaited her; an endless taunt of her busy life.
A few hours later Minerva made her last edit, and placed the last piece of parchment on the finished pile. She smiled and yawned, before stretching and starting towards her window. As Minerva leaned against the wall she was amazed at the cat-like things she did, even when not in her Animagus form.
Minerva stared out the window at the darkness and lit windows of the castle, lost in thought before blowing out the candles and heading towards her new room, the thought of a warm bed and restful sleep quickening her step.
A few hours later, Minerva blinked her eyes opened slowly and struggled to look around the dark room. Woken up in the middle of the night, again! she shifted her position, causing a quiet moaning to sound from beneath her.
Sorry Albus, Minerva threaded her hand through that of her sleeping husband, and thought of the night two years previous, when three schools had joined together, ultimately resulting in the death of a student, and the return of Voldemort.