Minerva took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as she looked in the full length mirror at her reflection. She had waited for what seemed a lifetime to get to this moment. She had finished up her Hogwarts schooling yesterday and was just waiting on her results before she could apply for the job she wanted in the Magical Law Enforcement office. That job had gave her wonderful experience and knowledge in the past so she wouldn't turn her back on it this time around. Minerva felt giddy with anticipation. This timeline overlapped somewhat from her past one but she could just feel today would be the best day of her life from both timelines combined. She adored her children and looked forward to their impending births but at the same time she was excited to be a young bride and have decades alone with her husband.
"You look lovely Minerva," Robert commented as he took in her appearance.
"Thank you Daddy," she whispered emotionally.
Her white wedding dress was made of silks and delicate lace. It had a sweetheart neckline in the front and scooped lower in the back showing her flawless back. Her sleeves were made of lace with delicate pearls sewed on it. The short veil made of the same pattern and covered her cascading dark curls in the back and dropped just short of her eyes. She wore her mother's pearl necklace and bracelet. She had barely there makeup applied. She felt beautiful, she had never worn a wedding dress and felt emotional just having it on.
Minerva had slipped off her betrothal ring yesterday while at Gringotts with Tom and had the set placed in their vault for future children to use if they desired it. Tom moved her promise ring from her right hand to her left ring finger. Muggles wear engagement rings he had said so we should blend both worlds when we can. We won't change Magical Britain if we don't go against the grain every now and then he had added. Minerva had agreed.
"Let's head to the church love," her father said drawing her from her thoughts. "Your Tom is waiting on you."
Minerva was escorted from their home to the church just next door. Her mother had made her a cute little bouquet of Scottish foliage and handed it to her when she got to the church. She adored it. "You look gorgeous love," her mother gushed as she pressed a kiss to her cheek and moved inside the church before she allowed her emotions to break loose.
Minerva smiled as the wedding march started to play on the old piano and took a calming breathe. The doors to the church opened and she smiled as she saw Tom standing at the front waiting patiently for her. He had a 3 piece black suit on and had a matching flower pinned to his jacket. The work of Isobel McGonagall of course.
Tom's eyes widened at the sight of Minerva and she became breathless when she noticed tears overwhelmed him. She slowly made her way to stand next to him and listened intently as her father married them. They exchanged rings, Goblin forged matching silver rings with celtic designs on them. Hers sparkled with small emeralds embedded throughout it. She was suprised when her promise ring had fused with her new wedding band. Tom had just smirked at her. Well I guess he wasn't not going to let me get by without as many protections as possible. He probably had some added to the wedding band as well. When they were pronounced man and wife, Tom gently tilted her head and kissed her lovingly. "I love you," they said at the same time and laughed in pure happiness.
The brief reception followed in the town square. The Caithness community had went above and beyond for the McGonagall clan. Even with their modified memories of the terrorist attack against the community when Minerva was 10, the community still knew Isobel and Minerva's actions that day saved lives. The community chose to honor them with Minerva's reception. It warmed her heart to see the dedication to her family.
Minerva danced happily with her husband, father, father-in-law, and brothers. She laughed with the local girls and women and shared countless hugs with her mother. She couldn't refrain from showing her happiness! "Ready to leave for Hogwarts for the Magical ceremony," Tom whispered in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"Yes," she breathed as she drew him to her in a passionate kiss much to the joy of the crowd. Cheering and clapping errupted as they made their way to the horse-drawn white carriage waiting for them. Minerva smiled as she noticed the spell cast on the horses wings to make them invisible to muggles. It seemed they would be flying to Hogwarts courtesy of winged horses once they left town.
The hired driver of the horse-drawn carriage removed the disillusionment charm from it and descended to Hogwarts grounds slowly. Minerva was giddy by the excitement of the ride and shared kisses with Tom. The couple was greeted by a huge crowd of family, friends, and other important figures in the Magical community.
A traditional ceremony observing the old ways was done. Tom had requested it and explained it was best to stick to traditions while embracing the new ways. He wanted to charm the purists and muggleborns alike. Minerva saw his point and agreed with the ceremony. She figured the Muggle ceremony was her dream and allowed Tom to take control of the Wizarding one.
A lavish meal prepared by Hogwarts elves was enjoyed. The couple had initially refused the meal but the ghost of Helena Ravenclaw had caused havoc in the castle until they agreed. Minerva smiled at how protective the ghost was of her and her future!
It was nearly dusk when Tom and Minerva arrived home. A smile graced Minerva's face as she saw charmed lights illuminating what she could see of the wrap around porch and porch swing. A bottle of chilled wine and two glasses sat on the side table by the porch swing. A thin blanket draped over the back of the swing, ready to just be pulled around them. "I know you wanted to watch the sunrises," Tom whispered near her ear. "Would you mind watching the sunset for now?"
Minerva grinned at Tom widely. She was touched he remembered their conversation from the first time she saw the cottage. "You have a way of making me feel rather special Thomas Riddle Dumbledore," she breathed as she leaned in for a loving kiss.
"Get used to it," he whispered back. "I plan on keeping it that way for the rest of our lives." With that said, he swept her up in his arms and carried her to the porch and sat in the swing. She remained nestled in his arms contently as he pulled the blanket around her. They drank wine and watched the sunset, happy to be near one another.