Minerva threw a folder down on the coffee table in disgust. Severus looked at her in suprise and merely raised an eyebrow in silent question. "I have received seven contracts for Hermione's hand in marriage today alone," she growled. "Ever since the Daily Prophet announced she was a sorceress, the contract proposals have increased tenfold."
"You realize there is a logical and rather easy way to deal with all of this, don't you?" he questioned. Minerva looked at him blankly. "Hermione has a potential soulbond with Potter," he said. "Speak with Sirius about a betrothal contract between them. We all know Hermione will end up married to the boy one day. This way you nor Sirius have to deal with marriage contracts."
"That would work but I am unsure if Hermione would agree with it," Minerva replied.
"Speak with her," urged Severus. "Tell her about the countless marriage contracts you get for her. It probably would help if you mention how many Sirius gets for Potter too."
"You're right," Minerva said with a grin. "If I spin it as a way to help everyone out, she will agreed to it. Thanks love." With that Minerva headed off to find her daughter.
Minerva watched in fascination as the Daily Prophet was delivered and excitement errupted throughout the Great Hall. All eyes turned towards Harry Potter and Hermione McGonagall as the front page article proclaimed their betrothal contract along with the details. Rolonda Hooch let out a whistle, "That's a steep price. How did you manage to get Black to agree to pay that much of a dowry to Hermione? Isn't it supposed to go the other way?"
Minerva chuckled good-naturedly at her friend. "Harry is in line for two Lordships and Hermione has her own. She doesn't need his name nor his vaults. She is one of only three heirs to the Bellamy Family. She has more gold now than she could ever spend in three lifetimes without working a day in her life. I pointed that out to Sirius and the fact that Hermione would be a career driven witch. I also pointed out if Harry wanted to be a stay-at-home father to any children in the future, he would need a career driven witch. I made sure he understood Hermione deserved more than to be have to pay for a husband. Sirius agreed and offered her enough to fund any charitable foundation she desires."
"The mutt believes it is a worthy prank on pureblood traditions," Severus added dryly. "Of course Hermione will agree to almost anything once you mention helping Harry Potter."
"I am just thrilled I shan't have to read anymore marriage contracts," Minerva muttered.
"You do realize you most likely will receive some for Robbie, right?" Severus asked his wife with a smirk. "The boy is heir to House Bellamy."
Minerva groaned in frustration much to the amusement of the nearby staff.
A slamming sound errupted from the Gryffindor table before Neville Longbottom stood up angrily. He was glaring at a red faced Ron Weasley as he moved protectively towards Hermione and Harry. "I will advise you to shut your mouth Weasley," Neville yelled angrily. "I am sick of your bigotry mindset and your assumptions that you know best."
"Stay out of it Neville," Ron yelled back. "I was talking to Hermione."
"I'm afraid once Hermione became betrothed to Harry it became my business," the boy retorted. "House Potter and House Longbottom are closely allied and Harry is as good as my brother considering our mothers were godmother to the other. Harry and Hermione are still learning their roles as heirs but I have been raised to know my station in life. You spoke out of turn to Harry's betrothed and made demands you had no such business making of anyone. Last I heard, the Weasley family is still stripped of their titles."
"Watch your mouth Longbottom," Ron said, ears red in embarrassment.
"Or what?" questioned Neville. "Everyone knows you are a lazy boy with a chip on his shoulder. You would have failed out of school by now if it wasn't for Hermione's help and you still don't appreciate her the way you should. You think just because you are a Gryffindor and pureblood you are superior to others. You think anyone is Slythrein House is a dark witch or wizard and criticize anyone else that attempts to befriended them because you think you know best. It is bigots like you that push those in Slythrein House towards the dark because you shun them with your actions."
"They are dark," Ron blurted angrily.
"Shut up Ronald," Neville demanded. "All houses have good and bad in them. How many could we help if we merely held our hand out in friendship. I am tried of the fighting, the mistrust. I want to see all bigotry end including yours. I will not stand by and watch you tear down Hermione's confidence because you are jealous Harry got the girl. I don't understand why you think anyone in their right bloody mind would want someone as toxic as you to begin with. Lay off them or I will take the matter up with your father and with the Wizengamot if necessary. You best remember Harry Potter is not just a peer of yours, he is heir to House Potter and House Black. Show him and his betrothed the proper respect or face the consequences."
Ron, blinded by anger, took a swing at Neville. The boy blocked it and then returned the gesture. Neville's right hook hit its mark and knocked Ron on his backside much to the suprise of everyone present.
"Detention tonight Longbottom," Severus said in the eerily silent room. "Fighting is against the rules even if you were justified in your actions."
"Yes sir," Neville said respectfully.
Severus offered the boy a smile before adding, "I am afraid I won't be able to oversee your detention though. Pomona, do you need assistance in the greenhouses this evening so Longbottom can serve his detention?"
"There's always something to be done," Sprout answered with a grin on her face. Severus had just rewarded the boy and everyone knew it.
"I guess it's up to me to issue Weasley's detention," Flitwick said as he watched the red-headed boy groan on the floor.
"Surely that isn't necessary," the Headmaster said. "Boys will be boys afterall."
Andromeda Tonks stood up and glared at the Headmaster. "It's excuses like that from those in authority that prevent students from coming to them for help. You will make sure that boy serves detention or I shall be speaking with Lord Black regarding the slight against our heir."
"Not a word Albus," Minerva growled as she looked towards the Charms teacher. "You know Severus and I can't fairly issue any detentions to him so I shall support your judgment in the case."
He nodded in agreement. "Mr. Weasley you have earned yourself a week's worth of detentions with our caretaker. Please report to his office after dinner tonight for further instructions."
"That's not fair," Ron screamed. "I'm the one that got hurt."
"You are also the one that started it," Flitwick countered. "Had Mr. Longbottom not intervened when he did, I would hate to see what Miss McGonagall would have done to you. Have you forgotten she is a sorceress?" Ron turned green as realization hit him and he ran from the room in horror of what he almost done.