September 1st came way too fast for Minerva. She had enjoyed the summer break so much. She and Harry had taken up residency at Potter Manor during the break and enjoyed the time with their babies. Calum and Ainslie had brought immense joy to their world. They had also enjoyed moments to themselves and making love whenever and wherever the mood hit.
Hermione had given birth to a healthy little girl with dark brown bushy hair and lovely blue eyes. Neville and Hermione had asked Harry and Minerva to be the godparents to Lillian Augusta Longbottom whom they fondly called Lilly. Harry had grinned at the name and promised to teach his goddaughter how to cause mischief much to her rule abiding parents' dismay. Minerva had pouted at him as well.
Minerva looked down the Head table and smiled. Rolonda was nearing the end of her 1st pregnancy. She was two weeks to her due date and miserable it seemed. Minerva muttered a spell and sent a cushion with a massaging charm for the witches aching back. Rolonda smiled gratefully at her friend. Her husband John smiled gratefully at her well. The poor man was out ofhis element with the fiesty flying instructor. She briefly wondered if the child would enjoy quidditch as much as its parents.
Minerva noticed Poppy next. She chuckled at Poppy and her solution to the children requirement in the marriage law. Poppy had taken a fertility potion known for causing multiple births on purpose. Poppy was seven months pregnant with triplets. Poppy was quite proud of the fact even though her younger husband was not. Minerva had insisted Poppy taken on an apprentice this year to help with all of the pending births as well as help Poppy through her own birthing time. Another five teachers were expecting sometime this semester so Hogwarts Infirmary would be rather busy.
Minerva had insisted on extra funding from. the Board of Governors to add a small daycare for staff and apprentice's children. She had been suprised when Alice Longbottom had applied for the job. "I have missed most of Neville's childhood," she had explained. "I refuse to miss anymore nor that of my grandchildren." Minerva had smiled and hired her on the spot. Minerva smiled as she thought of how Alice had told Neville he was going to be a big brother. Poor Neville didn't know how to react.
Minerva McGonagall stood up at the podium and looked out at the sea of happy children. Young happy faces greeted her. Last year, there was not as many students present in general nor as many happy, carefree ones as she saw today. How many of those students had had unhappy home life's before the marriage law? How many had lost one or both parents and were grieving that she hadn't seen for her own grief? Minerva realized in that moment that the marriage law had not only saved the wizarding world population but had saved the people as well. At least, it saved the happiness of the children and she would make sure they remained happy and secure.
Minerva cleared her throat and prepared to give the welcoming speech only to be stopped by the sense of magic surrounding her. The eruption of laughter informed her someone had pulled a prank on her. She glanced to the Head table and noticed the staff barely able to hold their laughter in. She noticed pink in the corner of her eye and pulled a strand of her hair in front of her so she could see it. Her hair was a vibrant pink color. She looked at her baby daughter and raised an eye. "Ainslie Jane Potter," she muttered and was amused when she heard her baby giggle.
Smiling, she walked over to Ainslie and picked her up. "Do you require my attention little lady," she asked her daughter much to the amusement of the staff. Ainslie giggled again and wrapped her fist around Minerva's robes. Minerva walked back to the podium with her daughter in her arms to give the speech she had ready. As soon as she started to speak, she felt magic swirling around her again. She noticed her hair was back to normal. She smiled at her baby and kissed her forehead earning another giggle.
"A few short moments ago I was ready to give a speech that I had planned for weeks," Minerva said honestly. "I no longer feel that speech is necessary. The staff and I are thrilled to have you all back with us for another year. We want to hear about any exciting news, discoveries or vacation tales you want to share so tomorrow you will not need any of your books for classes. You will attend your classes but no school work is to take place. You will be given the chance to share any news you want. If you want to bring pictures to share with your class, please feel free to do so. Again, welcome back and tuck in." Minerva was suprised by the shouts of excitement erupting throughout the Great Hall. Maybe this marriage law was their way to bridge the gap and change Magical Britain for the better!
Minerva entered her office later that week to find a note stuck to the wall hiding the entrance to Forbidden Cottage. Curious of what the note said, she walked to it and read. Have lunch with me? I will wait for you to join me! She smiled when she saw it was signed Just Harry! Minerva decided she didn't have anything pressing to do and grabbed her key to open the entrance way. She entered the tunnel and smiled broadly. Harry had put up photos in the tunnel. The closest to the office was of Godric and his wife and then preceded towards the most recent couple to use the Forbidden Cottage, them. Harry had chosen a picture of them from a Ministry effect over the summer. Minerva hadn't seen the picture before but she loved it. They were in the middle of a Latin type dance and Harry had suprised her by dipping her. She had thrown her head and laughed uncontrollably much to Harry's amusement. His love for me is present in the photo she realized.
Minerva briskly walked through the tunnel and entered the Forbidden Cottage. Harry was sitting at the same desk writing in a muggle notebook. She noted he closed it immediately and gave her his undivided attention. "I am honored you accepted my invitation," he said as he bowed comically.
Minerva rolled her eyes at him but smiled nevertheless. "It would be rather foolish to squander time together when given the opportunity," she said matter-of-factly. She grinned before she pressed a kiss to his lips.
Harry laughed and led her to the intimate table he had arranged by the window. She noted her favorites were present as well as a lovely bottle of elfin wine. "This is lovely," she commented as they settled down and enjoyed their meal.
When their leisurely meal was done, Harry smiled and asked, "Do you want to go for a run?" Minerva smiled and nodded her acceptance. Before she could utter anything else Harry said, "Catch me if you can!" Minerva laughed gleefully as she watched her husband change into his panther form and run from the cottage.
Minerva smiled and changed into a grey tabby cat and gave chase. Harry led her through a little known path to their cave. He teased her playfully before he ducked into the cave. Minerva followed him and stopped near the entrance. The cave was lit up with jars of charmed lights and the cavern floor was covered with heather, harebell, scottish primrose and bluebell petals. All scottish foliage she realized.
Harry turned back to his normal form and begged her to come to him. Minerva turned back and rushed in his arms. Harry kissed her passionately and tugged off her clothing. He touched and nipped at her body causing her body to heat up. She gently laid her on the animal skin pallet and he stared at her in wonder. "You are gorgeous," he whispered as he covered her body with his own. He moved his fingers to her womanly entrance and found her wet and ready for him. He gently eased into her and lost himself in their passions. When he heard her mutter in Gaelic, he smiled and doubled his efforts. He grinned widely when he heard her cry out his name. Several more moments of pivoting into her and he fell apart at the seams. He collapsed onto her and tried to catch his breath. "I love you," she panted as she pulled him closer to her.
He propped himself up on his elbow and stared at her in wonder. "I will never tire of hearing that," he said. "I am completely and irrevocably in love with you. I never felt completely settled until our wedding night. The first time we made love, I finally felt complete. I have had you in my life for as long as I have been in the Magical World but I didn't realize how truly important you were to me. That first time I saw you cry out in passion was the most magical moment I have ever witnessed. I will always be thankful for that marriage law because it gave me you."
Minerva was unable to keep her emotions at bay and became an emotional mess as he talked. She brought his hips to hers and rekindled their passion. She doubted they would make it back to Hogwarts prior to dinner but she was fine with that. The twins were in the capable hands of Alice Longbottom and would be well cared for until Minerva could get to them near dinner time.