Exactly one month after the downfall of Voldemort, Minerva and Harry were relaxing in their cottage. The OWLs and NEWTs had wrapped up and a month break was issued before Minerva would step back into the role of Headmistress of Hogwarts.
The castle still needed repairs but the major ones and the security risk ones had been completed. Minerva had wanted to remain in the castle and work tirelessly to repair her beloved Hogwarts; however, Lady Hogwarts had materialized during dinner and given her just 24 hours to vacate the castle before she would be expelled for a forced vacation. Minerva had frowned at Lady Hogwarts but briskly nodded and swept from the Great Hall much to the amusement of those that still remained in the castle.
"Good morning love," Harry said as he carried breakfast to her and gave her a gentle kiss in greeting.
Minerva smiled, sat up in bed and stared in suprise. "Oh Harry," she said emotionally. "You will spoil me if you keep this up."
"That's the plan," he said cheekily.
Minerva ate her fill and then noticed the Daily Prophet folded on the edge of the tray. She picked it up and gasped in surprise at the headline Harry Potter Married? She looked up at Harry and noticed his smile. She furrowed her brow before looking down and noticed Hermione had written the article.
She read the article and smiled. The Wizarding World now knew of their marriage and that an ill-fated plan of Voldemort's had brought it about. Bare minimum details were there but it was spun in a such a way the public would accept it and not think too poorly about her. At the end of the article was a quote from Harry. "I know this marriage will suprise most but I don't nor will I ever regret it. I am actually thankful for Fate for it although I still cringe at the circumstances around it. I will not go into details but Minerva constantly suprises me with her resilience. To be able to see Minerva McGonagall free and unbridled from the expectations of others is quite amazing and I shall never tire of it! I, with the help of my dearest friend Hermione, have written a book regarding my life. The book is mainly regarding the fight against Voldemort but will include personal details of my life. The circumstances surrounding my marriage will be included. This is the only book that will include such details. I hate the idea of anyone knowing such details; however, I believe it is time for Magical Britain to see what happens when pureblood nonsense and bigotry runs rampant. Please see the order form included in this Prophet. All proceeds from this book will be directed to a vault dedicated to improvements to Magical Britain. Details on the foundational vault will be coming soon!"
Minerva looked up in shock at Harry. She knew how he hated being in the public eye. "I am speechless," she said teary-eyed.
Harry smiled and kissed her gently. "I wanted to ensure the public would accept this marriage. I couldn't bare any ill treatment toward you," he said honestly. "I suppose you would like to read this?"
With that said, he reached into his jean pocket and plucked a miniature book out. He returned it to its normal size and laid it gently in her lap as he silently banished her empty breakfast tray to the kitchen. From the Boy Who Lived to The Wizard Who Won! by Harry Potter and Hermione Granger it proclaimed on the front cover. Minerva met his gaze before opening the cover and reading it. She wanted to know what he had felt the need to say! Harry just left her to it.
It was near dinner time before Minerva emerged from the bedroom. She was dressed in a simple muggle maternity dress that drew attention to her evergrowing waistline. She smiled sadly at him. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes were red from crying he guessed. "Finished," he asked.
Minerva nodded in affirmation. "It was hard for me to read," she admitted, her Scottish brogue thick. "I knew the details prior and it still was soul crushing to read parts. You wrote about events I assumed would be absence but then I realized you did it for a very specific reason."
"What reason would that be," Harry asked curious of her response.
Minerva moved towards him and perched herself on his lap. "To ensure no one would turn a blind eye towards such questionable behavior regardless of the witch or wizard's station," she answered. "You want to make sure no one ever holds as much power as Albus did. While Albus did questionable things, he truly was light and wanted to see the downfall of Voldemort. Your book will make others wonder if powerful people should hold more than one position at a time."
Harry smiled at her lovingly. "What are your thoughts regarding that?"
Minerva kissed him lightly before responding, "A fabulous idea. Had it been Lucius Malfoy or Delorse Umbridge in those positions, we could of very well seen the downfall of our world. I am proud of you for sacrificing your deepest secrets and struggles for the empowerment of our world."
Harry inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. He tucked an errant curl behind her ear and caressed her cheek. "There's nothing I wouldn't sacrifice for you or our child," he said passionately. "I made a stew for dinner if you are hungry," he said changing the subject. "Pretty sure Ginger made a couple of desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth."
"I am famished," she answered as she allowed him to lead her into the small kitchen where their dinner awaited. Ginger the house elf bounced around the kitchen setting the table with a smile on her face. Minerva grinned when she saw Hedwig and Amethyst napping on their perches near the window. She touched her belly and smiled at the answering kick she felt from within. Life was amazingly beautiful at times!
