Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Rainforest Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 10 – Poppy and an Announcement

Albus hummed a tune as he made his way to Minerva's rooms on the Sunday morning. He hoped she would be willing to spend the morning with him for a Sunday brunch. However when he arrived at her rooms she was not there. His next stop was the Great Hall but when she was not there either he thought of her office.

He walked into her office to find her asleep in her chair. He smiled at the sweet scene before him, she was curled up, just like a cat. He gently shook her, trying to wake her but all he received in return was movement, she remained asleep. Noting this he instead pulled her into his arms and carried her back to her rooms, she must be dreadfully tired he thought to just fall asleep in her office, especially in the morning.

Once back in her rooms Albus gently placed her into her bed and pulled the warm covers up and over her. He then left but returned within the hour with two breakfast trays. He attempted to wake her again, this time succeeding. Hr eyes fluttered open and she stretched, a yawn obvious.

"Albus?" she asked in surprise and confusion. "What time is it?"

"The time, my dear, is 9 o'clock Sunday morning. I found you asleep in your office and assumed you were yet to eat breakfast, am I right?"

"Yes you're right, I haven't eaten yet. What did you bring me?"

"For you Minerva we have muesli with strawberries and blueberries. I however have bacon and eggs."

As he spoke Albus placed Minerva's tray over her lap before sitting beside her with his tray. They then ate in silence, enjoying the good food. Once finished Albus placed the trays together and banished them to the kitchens but he would not let Minerva get out of bed.

"You need your rest my dear. I found you asleep in your office even though you must have been sleeping since yesterday afternoon. You were also sick my dear and since we ate the same things at our picnic you could not have had food poisoning. I also find it doubtful that you had 24-hour flu. Finding you asleep this morning has forced me to ask you to see Poppy."

"Albus really, I don't need to see Poppy. I am fine, there is absolutely nothing wrong with me, yes I have been tired and I was sick yesterday but it is winter and you have seen the number of students who have been in to see Poppy with colds and the flu. Is it not reasonable that I was also overcome with a short sickness?"

"Minerva it is reasonable but with your tiredness it does not seem as reasonable. You have been sleeping for longer each night since the new school year. It wasn't obvious at first but now you got o sleep early in the evening and wake up later each day. Minerva, I'm worried about you."

"Albus I truly am fine. Yes I need more sleep but that is nothing to see Poppy over. Now if I was sick for days and fainting then it would be a different story altogether. Now, what are we going to do today?"

Albus' still had a look of worry on his face but Minerva quickly directed his attention to other matters, knowing she would have to tell him soon.

POP

Monday morning. Today was the day that they would tell the students of their engagement. Minerva knew that many of them would be happy for them but no doubt many parents would speculate on their marriage, assuming they had been together for years because of the living situation.

Knowing that that students would be watching her all day, more so then usual, Minerva brushed her hair until it shone and wore a lovely robe of emerald green, very different to the robes she used to wear.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, checking herself one last time before the knock at her door came. She quickly made her way into the hallway and quickly kissed Albus. Words were not needed so they did not speak as they made their way to the Great Hall. Once inside and they were sitting they waited for the Hall to quieten as the students waited for their meal. As the noise level lessened Albus stood, attracting their attention.

"Good morning children. Today I have a proud announcement to make. I wish to tell you that I am to be married."

Many students looked at each other in confusion however some were bright enough to deduce that his bride would be none other then their Deputy Headmistress.

"I am to marry your Professor McGonagall." As he said her name Minerva felt his hand on her elbow, asking her to stand beside him. She did so proudly, her head held high and a smile on her face as the students and a few of the teachers began to clap.

Minerva felt a blush grace her cheeks; she had not thought that being congratulated on an engagement would feel so nice. But Minerva knew that it wasn't so much the congratulations as the man she was marrying. Despite many obstacles she knew they would be happy, if not for very long.

To be continued . . .

A/N: No offence people but it would seem I have overestimated your ability to pick up on my hints. I want to remind you that yes Minerva has brought lingerie but she is yet to use it. They have slept together once but that's just what it was, sleeping. There will be no pregnancy at all in this story. So far I believe only about three of you to have a clue where this is heading, let's hope some of the next chapters will clue the rest of you in.

Oh and to Maiden-of-hope, I don't believe Minerva is too old to be pregnant. Witches and Wizards live to be almost 200 years old so it is safe to assume that a Witch's menstrual cycle would continue for a longer period of time.

Thanks to LinZE, blackbird fly, Quill of Minerva, ginger newts, tigger2025643119, ProfessorMelissaMcGonagall, Tabby Bee, Always Hopeful and Maiden-of-hope for reviewing.