"All but Nagini and the Horcrux in Harry's scar has been destroyed," Sirius said as he sat down in Minerva's parlor.
"Thank Merlin," she whispered relieved. "I have spoken with the Magical Beings Council and they know of a way to extract the Horcrux from a living host. The Veela community in France is able to perform it but only Hermione and I will be permitted to go into the community with Harry."
"Are we permitted to wait in France?" Remus asked.
Minerva nodded her head. "Jean Bellamy is scheduling a ball and insists his heirs are there including Hermione's betrothed. It would be rather rude for Harry's guardian and surrogate uncle to not make an appearance."
"I assume this is all Apolline Delacour's doing?" Severus asked.
"Any excuse to plan a party," Minerva answered with a smile. "Everyone can stay in Etretat for the ball and then we will take a tour of Magical France. Plan for a week long trip gentlemen. The procedure will take place the day after the ball."
Minerva sighed tiredly as she sat down on the couch in her villa. She was exhausted and struggling to find energy to make it to the bedroom. The Bellamy ball had taken place tonight and had went well. Robbie had made quite the impression among the French dignitaries and she wouldn't be suprised if betrothal contracts started coming sooner rather than later. She dreaded them and hoped Jean handpicked the ones she actually received and weeded out the undesirable ones!
Hermione had been the center of attention and had suprisingly gathered attention to herself on purpose. It had taken Minerva a bit to realize it was to draw attention from Harry. The boy still struggled with the fame he was thrust into and she hated it for him. Harry was a lovely, mischievous teenager who loved adventure. She hoped he would still be able to find adventure in the future once the current Dark Lord was taken care of. Well, the current Headmaster too. Albus had an unhealthy fascination with Harry and she would make sure the boy broke free from him any way she could!
"When will you be leaving for the Veela community?" Sirius asked as he and Remus entered the room.
Minerva looked at him briefly before answering, "Right after breakfast. Apolline said she would be by to collect us then."
"Did Madam Delacour mention how long the process typically is?" Sirius asked nervously.
Minerva frowned at him. They had had these specific conversation many times already. "I am too tired to have this conversation once again," she said briskly. "Take comfort knowing I would rather die then see harm fall upon Hermione or Harry. I shall protect them."
Sirius sighed in resignation and nodded his head in acceptance. "I just worry," he whispered emotionally. "I may just be Harry's Godfather to most of society but I couldn't love him more if he was my own."
Minerva's expression softened at his words. "I shall protect your pup," she reassured with a grin at him. "You do realize Hermione will be present throughout the entire process. She is as overprotective with him as he is with her."
"She is rather aggressive in her need to protect him, isn't she?" Sirius commented with a smug smile.
"That witch would fight magic itself for those she loves," Severus said as he walked into the room. He frowned as he saw how tired Minerva appeared. "You're exhausted. When we return back to the castle, you should see Poppy. The pregnancy seems to be draining you."
"Pregnancy," Remus and Sirius repeated curiously as they looked at Minerva.
Minerva chuckled at their expressions. Severus and she had agreed to not hide her pregnancy from others but actively not broadcast it. Severus had been inclined to inform close family friends when the situation arised. It seemed he managed that quite well. "We are expecting twins in September," she answered with a smile. "I would appreciate it if you could keep that to yourself at least until I start showing somewhat."
Both wizards nodded their head in agreement before congratulating the couple. Children were a blessing in the magical community or at least the older families.
Three days later, Minerva walked back into her home with Harry and Hermione in tow. The trio appeared exhausted and immediately settled in the couches without a word to anyone. Severus, Sirius, Remus and Robbie shared suprised glances with each other. "What happened?" Severus finally asked.
"The ritual was successful," Minerva answered then closed her eyes shut before sighing. "However there was a complication."
"A complication," Sirius inquired about it.
Minerva nodded her head. "The Horcrux was extremely powerful and started to drain Harry's life-force," she revealed. "The ritual had to be altered to save his life and rid him of the Horcrux."
"Altered how?" Remus asked.
Minerva closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She turned her head towards the couple and received barely noticable nods. "Altered to that of a binding ritual," she whispered. "Harry and Hermione are legally wed and had to consummate their marriage within a sacred circle on a blessed altar."
"Legally wed," Severus said amazed. "Did you know that was a possibility prior to the ritual?"
Minerva shook her head negatively. "Neither did Apolline," she answered. "The witch was devastated when she realized Magic had forced Hermione's hand in saving Harry. Apolline was upset at their age and the particular ritual that had to be used to save Harry."
"Why would the particular ritual matter?" Remus asked confused.
"They have to remain in contact with one another to recharge their bond," she explained honestly. "Hermione and Harry are a package deal now. They will share a bedroom wherever they chose to stay including Hogwarts. We cannot hide this from others so we have to spin the story to our advantage."
"Is Apolline planning a reception?" Sirius asked in resignation.
Minerva nodded her head. "She is planning a small wedding as well," Minerva answered. "She refused to be swayed and insisted Hermione needed her dream wedding regardless if it came sooner than expected. I happen to agree with her."