A/N: Well, here it is! The final chapter! There will be an epilogue after this as well, so stay tuned. I would like to thank TartanPhoenix, once again, for suggesting that someone write an AD/MM fic about Beltane thus giving me a huge plot bunny. You rock! I also want to thank everyone who's been following this story. I've enjoyed all of your reviews.

-April :-)

Chapter 10

A quiet knock came at Minerva's door and she answered it with a deep breath. William McGonagall stood in the doorway and smiled as he looked into his daughter's eyes. "Are you ready, lass? They're waiting for you."

She grabbed her bouquet of light purple camellias and joined him out in the hall. "I'm ready, Father."

He offered her his arm and they made their way downstairs. "I tried to persuade your mother to come, but she wouldn't budge. You get your stubbornness from her, you know. She sends her love though."

"I know you tried your best. You know, Mother always told me that I got my stubborn temper from you."

Her father laughed, his rich baritone voice warming her spirit. "She's just too stubborn to admit it!" Right before they were about to turn the corner into the hallway in front of the room where the wedding would take place, he stopped her and took hold of both her hands. "I am proud of you, Minerva. Don't ever doubt that." He kissed her once on each cheek. "Mìle fàilte dhuit le d'bhréid, fad do ré gun robh thu slàn. Móran làithean dhuit is sìth, le d'mhaitheas is le d'nì bhi fàs."

She recognized his words as an old marriage blessing. "Thank you, Papa."

In all of his long life, Albus had never been as nervous as he was this very moment. He stood pacing in front of some of their closest and most trusted friends. They had decided on a small, intimate wedding as their relationship was not widely known about. Also at the altar, stood an officiant from the Ministry of Magic flanked by the High Priest and Priestess from the French coven. His best man, Aberforth, stood off to the side, chuckling at his brother's nervousness.

"Albus, stop that infernal pacing! You're making me dizzy," he cried.

Albus seemed to notice that he was slowly wearing down the carpet and halted his movements before his brother. "I'm sorry," he said sheepishly. "What if she decides that she's making a mistake and doesn't show up?"

Aberforth put a hand on his sibling's shoulder. "Don't worry, Albus, she'll be here."

Right after that statement was made the lights in the room dimmed slightly, creating a cozy, romantic ambiance and the beginning strains of Pachelbel's Canon in D began to float through the room. The doors opened and a smiling Poppy Pomfrey came walking through holding a small bouquet of flowers that matched the lavender color of her dress. Minerva's other childhood friend, Rolanda Hooch, who just graduated from Hogwarts, followed behind her. Albus smiled at his former students. Minerva told him that they had been quite surprised when she told them that not only was she marrying their former professor, she was having his baby. After the initial shock wore off, both witches were happy for her and were very excited to be a part of her wedding. Once they were situated up at the altar, the music faded and the sound of a harp filled the air. The slow and tranquil tune it played put all of Albus' nerves at ease and when he saw Minerva and her father step into the doorway, his breath caught and his heart skipped a few beats. Never had he seen her look so beautiful. He smiled at her, unable to contain his joy.

Minerva returned his smile and blushed as everyone stood. Slowly, she walked arm in arm with her father, who looked quite the Scotsman in his kilt, as did her brother, who admired her from his position next to Armando Dippet in the audience. In no time, Minerva and her father were stationed in front of the officiant.

"Who gives this woman to be married?" he asked.

William squeezed her arm lightly. "I do, sir." He then placed her hand in Albus' and patted his future son-in-law on the back with a smile before taking his seat.

The officiant cleared his throat and his voice echoed through the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Minerva Ainsley McGonagall and Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore." Minerva stifled a giggle as she saw Aberforth roll his eyes at the mention of Albus' many names. She was glad Albus had his back to his brother or else he wouldn't have been too pleased. The ministry official went on with the ceremony. "Please repeat after me. I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, pledge to you my everlasting love, devotion, and support, no matter what may come our way." Albus and Minerva repeated the vows each in turn, both with tears in their eyes. "Now the rings, please."

Aberforth reached into his pocket and pulled out two wedding bands made of silver. He handed them carefully to the officiant, who in turn handed Albus' to Minerva and hers to Albus. "Albus and Minerva have chosen to recite their own vows for this part of the ceremony. Minerva?"

She took hold of Albus' left hand and slowly slid the ring on as she said her vows. "With this ring, I promise to always be there when you need me and to give you comfort when you need it most. For as long as I shall live, I will always love you." Sliding the ring home, she whispered, "Amor constans est."

Albus smiled at her and held up her shaking hand. "With this ring, I promise to never abandon you, for you are my entire universe and I hope that I give to you as much happiness as you give to me. As long as there is air in my lungs, I will continue to worship the very ground you walk on. I will never stop loving you." As he finished sliding the ring on her finger, he too whispered, "Amor constans est."

With the traditional part of the ceremony complete, the officiant stepped back and the Priest and Priestess moved forward. They spoke the Invocation of the Gods and the High Priest asked a question of Minerva, then Albus. "Do you join us here of your own free will to acknowledge before the Lord and Lady the bond that is shared between you?" They both answered yes.

"Please turn to face each other and join your left hands," said the High Priestess. They did as they were instructed. "Now, recite the vows you have prepared." Albus and Minerva spoke as one.

"Body to body, mind to mind,
I freely bind myself to thee.
Heart to heart, soul to soul,
Lord and Lady, so mote it be.

We bless our union in your names,
so that our bond may never rust.
Now and forever to live as one,
In perfect love and perfect trust."

The High Priest stepped forward carrying a long green cord. "Before these witnesses and before the God and Goddess, Albus and Minerva have made their vows. With this cord, I bind them to their vows." He wrapped the cord loosely around their joined hands. "However, the binding is not tied, so that neither is ever restricted by the other and the binding is only enforced by their wills." Albus and Minerva removed the cord and it was handed off to Aberforth. They wanted it as a keepsake.

The High Priestess brought forth a small broom and placed it on the ground in front of the couple. "You are about to cross over into a new phase of your lives. Jump from one life into another." Albus and Minerva hopped over the broom with smiles firmly set on both their faces. The Priestess picked up the broom and made sweeping gestures behind them. "May all the negative energies and evil influences be swept away out of your new life."

The High Priest and Priestess retreated into the background once more after bidding farewell to the God and Goddess and thanking them for their presence. The officiant stepped before the couple. "In the name of Merlin and by the power invested in me by the Ministry of Magic, it is with much joy, that I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, sir."

Albus needed no further encouragement. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against his body. As he deepened the kiss, Minerva placed her arms around his neck, burying her hands in his long auburn hair. Many of their guests would later describe the kiss as "toe-curling". After they came up for air, the officiant spoke one last time. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Albus Dumbledore." They walked hand in hand up through the aisle amidst the cheers and whistles of their friends and family. Outside in the hall, Albus claimed Minerva's lips for another "toe-curling" kiss. They were interrupted by Aberforth.

"Come on now, they'll be time for that later," he said with a suggestive wink. "Now is the time we eat, drink, and be merry!"

Their reception went on until the wee hours of the morning, but the newlyweds left at around midnight. They thanked their guests for coming and told them to keep the party going for as long as they wished. When they reached the room that Albus had prepared for them, he pulled her in for kiss. "Are you happy, Mrs. Dumbledore?"

She smiled lovingly. "Of course, I am, Mr. Dumbledore."

"Excellent!" he cried. He surprised her by lifting her off the ground and into his arms.

"Albus! What are you doing?"

"I'm carrying you over the threshold. I know we are already in the house, but I couldn't forget such a tradition," he answered. The door opened as if on cue and he carried her into their room. Minerva's jaw dropped and she was speechless for several seconds. "Do you approve, my dear?"

Tears appeared in her eyes. "Oh, Albus, it's breathtaking. I can't believe you did all this yourself." The smell of incense filled the air and several candles were lit all around the room. Soft music rang in the background, just loud enough to be heard and a path of rose pedals went from the door to the bed. A plate of chocolate-covered strawberries waited for them on the bed.

He put her back onto her feet and grinned. "Well, I did get some help from the house-elves."

Minerva kissed him gently on the cheek. "I'll be right back, Albus. Don't you go anywhere." She retreated into the bathroom. Minerva emerged ten minutes later, a vision in white silk and lace. Her long black hair hung loosely down her back and the low cut of the nightgown she wore showed off her growing bosom. In the time she had been gone, Albus changed from his formal robes into a burgundy and gold satin bathrobe and matching pants. Ever the Gryffindor, Minerva thought to herself. She turned around in a circle, showing off her gown. "Do you like it?"

"You look absolutely stunning, Minerva. Though, I think you look lovely in anything you wear." Albus took both of her hands into his and kissed her palms.

"You look very handsome yourself, Albus. I do love the colors of your robe," she teased.

Albus led her towards the large bed and grinned mischievously. "Now, while I do think that nightgown is very flattering on you, I think I might find it even more so, off you."

She swatted him playfully on the arm. "You're incorrigible! I think I'm going to need a few strawberries to persuade me first."

"As you wish."

Several hours and plates of strawberries later, Minerva snuggled against her husband, sighing contently. She was for the first time in her life, truly happy. She had chosen her own path and was not going to let anyone stop her. Minerva looked up at the sleeping wizard next to her and smiled wistfully. He was quite worn out from their earlier activities. She was surprised that she wasn't fast asleep herself especially being with child. Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach and she rubbed it with much affection. Even though she was exhausted, Minerva had a lot on her mind. She was a wife now and soon to be a mother. Would she do a good job? Would she still be able to continue her training as an auror? Will Albus still find her desirable with a large belly? What was Grindelwald planning? Too many random thoughts and questions were running through her tired head. Closing her eyes, Minerva pushed all the unwanted thoughts out of her mind and focused on the ones that made her happy; those of Albus and their unborn child. She knew that with Albus by her side, she would be able to withstand whatever came their way.

A/N: Here's the translation of the wedding blessing that William says to Minerva:
"A thousand welcomes to you with your marriage kerchief,
may you be healthy all your days.
May you be blessed with long life and peace,
may you grow old with goodness and with riches."
- Rev. Donald MacLeod, minister of Duirinish, Skye, Scotland c. 1760.

Pointless trivia: The song that plays when Minerva walks down the aisle is called, "Joy to the Person of My Love" and is from a songbook found in the late 1500s. I listened to it on repeat while writing the wedding scene.

The handfasting parts of the ceremony were found at www.handfasting.info

I'm sure some of you were expecting a lemon, but I thought I'd leave Albus and Minerva some privacy on their wedding night. ;-) Hope you liked it!