A/n: ppl... I am so sorry… I forgot!! Geez I am such an ass!!! -_-

Rubbing her aching neck, Minerva straightened in her seat and succumbed to a luxurious stretch. Every muscle in her body was screaming in fatigue. Why shouldn't it be? She had been at her desk for four hours straight, stopping only once to kiss her daughter goodnight, before she was tucked into her cot by Tootles. At the thought of Athena, Minerva felt a little of her tiredness disappear and a smile formed on her lips. Athena was growing fast. She was already at that age that no object could be placed anywhere near the floor, as it would most definitely find a way into her mouth. She had also learnt how to crawl, which meant that neither Minerva nor Tootles could leave her alone for even a second. But that only increased her love and adoration of the little girl. And as usual, any thoughts of her daughter would also make her think of another person, her husband. She wondered what Severus was doing right now in his cold dungeons. Probably making up new and horrid detentions or planning ways to deduct points off Gryffindor, as Minerva didn't believe for one minute that being married to Gryffindor Head House would change his mind about Gryffindors in general. That man truly needed to find a hobby… or at least another obsession she thought with a wry laugh.

'I hope he's being sensible and wearing something warm,' she thought. Fatigue must have affected her mind as well as she suddenly got up and was about to leave to the dungeons and make sure her husband was warm, but common sense kicked in and she halted at the door, her hands already on the door knob.

"Minerva, what on earth were you thinking?" she said to herself, returning to her seat. She really didn't know what had spurred her to do that. Imagine how humiliating it would be if she had followed through. Especially since they had agreed that this marriage would not interfere with their daily lives.

They had been married for almost two months now, thought Minerva, hardly believing any of it had happened. And miracles of all miracles, their marriage and news of their child had disappeared into the walls, no one outside the small circle knew. And she had the trio to thank. Another smile lit her face as she thought of the day after her marriage. She had dreaded returning to classes. Goodness what the students must think and what kind of rumors must be circulating around the school. But when she had gone for breakfast, nothing. No hostile stares, questioning looks, shocked expressions, her peers greeted her with the same respect they had for so many years… all was as normal. It was only after her sixth year transfiguration class, four days later, that she knew of their involvement.

"Professor," Hermione Granger had approached her, followed by Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. She had been clearing the notes on her table and looked down at the three from her raised platform.

"Yes, Ms. Granger?" she had responded her guard up. There were mixed emotions on the faces of her three students and she didn't know to hope for the best or expect the worst.

"We just want you to know that your secret is still safe," she said. Minerva blinked at them. She still had a secret?

"But how is that possible? I would've thought the whole school would be buzzing about it," she said in disbelief.

"Well, we kind of started a story that Snape… Professor Snape was a little intoxicated when he came barging into your class," said Hermione. Minerva wanted to laugh. Oh boy, the school thinks Severus was a drunk. He was not going to be happy.

"You told everyone that Severus was drunk?" she asked, hiding her amusement well under a stern look.

"I told you we should have told them he went slightly mental," whispered Ron. Hermione glared at him briefly.

"No, Professor. We, actually Harry told Parvati and Lavender that Professor Snape was under heavy medication and deliriousness was one of the side effects. Then Ron and I added that you had went along with the daughter story so he would follow you and you could take him to Madam Pomfrey for treatment," she explained. Minerva nodded. That did seem passable.

"And naturally after Ms. Patil and Ms. Brown received the news, the entire school found out an hour later," she said.

"More like 5 minutes later," said Harry, grinning wryly. Minerva smiled back. A heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders. Her secret was safe.

"Thank you. You have no idea what a relief it is to hear this," she said, giving them all one of her rare smiles, not the small, impersonal smile, but a real smile that reached her eyes and lit up her face. She then did something unexpected. She stepped down and enveloped all three of them into an embrace. Harry and Ron were very much surprised which then turned to embarrassment but Hermione wrapped her arms around her Professor. She was so glad to see Professor McGonagall herself again. No longer carrying the weight of her secret and the guilt that had come with it.

When the four pulled back, Professor McGonagall eyes were slightly wet.

"Have you informed Professor Snape about this?" she asked. The three shook their heads.

"We were hoping you'd do it," said Ron nervously. Minerva had expected much. It would be too much for them to go up and repeat what they had just said to her to the Potions Master.

"Yes, I will tell him, and 30 points each," she agreed. The three visibly relaxed with relief and beamed at receiving house points.

"I'm glad it's all been sorted out, Professor. And that your secret is still a secret," said Ron. The other two nodded. Minerva bit her lip. To tell or not to tell. The three made a move to leave.

"Wait, I think you should know this. Since you three know about Severus, Athena and I, I think you should also know that Professor Snape and I were married last night," she said. Silence. Their faces were blank and at first she had thought they didn't hear her.

"Congratulations," said Harry finally. Hermione echoed him, but Ron was still in shock. Paler than a white sheet of paper. Harry gave him a hard nudge and he snapped out of it.

"Does that mean we have to call you Professor Snape too? Isn't one enough?" Ron moaned. Minerva looked at them amusedly. They were taking it well… for them.

"No, I retain my maiden name. Nothing has changed. We are only married so Athena can have a family name," she explained. Hermione glanced down at Minerva's left hand.

"No ring even?" she asked, her tone a little sad. She still had little girl dreams about marrying her knight in shining armor, with a ring the size of England on her left hand, in the wedding of a century.

"No ring. Trust me, it's for the best," she said stressing her words, as if wanting them to believe her. But to their ears, it sounded like she was trying to convince herself as well.

"So that's another dirty little secret for you, I hope you won't tell anyone," she said unnecessarily as she knew they three would never break her trust. They nodded and quietly excused themselves before leaving.

Minerva stared at the door they had just exited, her thoughts wondering. Poor children must a big blow to them. But they'll get used to it, as she will too.

"And now to see a certain temperamental husband of mine," she said before she too left her office.

Minerva was snapped out of her reverie when a cloud of green smoke filled up her fireplace and person appeared from the cloud.

"Hello, Minerva. Surprised to see me?"

O_o …………