Chapter 5
The sun filtering into the room from the large bay window woke Minerva up the next morning. She stretched and then immediately stilled as she had remembered the night prior. She felt Harry's arm still draped across her waist possessively and she knew she was completely naked. Before she could get self-conscious regarding her lack of clothing, Harry whispered sleepily, "I'm just as naked as you so relax. Just enjoy the moment."
Minerva turned to look at him and smiled shyly. His face was relaxed and his hair was sticking every which way but she found him adorable. "Thank you for last night," she said softly, her Scottish accent very pronounced. "I did not expect all of the tenderness you showed me."
Harry just blushed at the compliment and buried his head in her shoulder which caused a smile to grace Minerva's face. As her thoughts returned to last night, she remembered her engagement ring and raised her left hand up to her face to inspect her ring. The rubies and diamonds sparkled brightly. Minerva thought the ring was exquisite but then she remembered what Harry had said about the ring. "Did this ring really belong to Godric's wife?" she asked curiously.
"Yeah," he replied as he snaked his arm around Minerva and snuggled closer to her warm body. "Remind me and I will show you a picture of them the next time we are in the library."
"Was the part of no other heir being able to grasp it true as well," she asked as she settled further in his embrace. No need to be embarrassed now she thought as she allowed herself to enjoy the warmth of his embrace.
"It is," Harry answered honestly. "I have been in the study countless times and I have never even bothered to touch it; however, when I knew I would marry you I just got this feeling it was meant to be on your hand. I was quite surprised when I was able to grasp the ring from its protective case and slipped it on your finger."
"So how are you feeling about everything," Harry asked sometime later. He was curious how she remained as calm as she had. Hermione had been a right mess after her ordeal.
He didn't elaborate but she knew what he meant. How did she feel? she wondered briefly. Minerva turned her head to meet his gaze and answered as best as she could. "I think I am still processing everything. Hermione found me before that poor excuse of a wizard could rape me and I am grateful for that but I expect the nightmares of past experiences to plague my sleep before too long. I am thankful I was rushed out of there before anyone else could see me in such a vulnerable moment but at the same time I am upset I allowed myself to fall victim instead of watching my surroundings. I am touched by the treatment I received from Hermione and how she had thought logically for me when I simply could not. I have no words to describe the tenderness you showed me last night and your understanding of my unique situation. At the same time, I am still processing the fact you have committed, quite quickly I might add, to a life with someone decades older than you and have accepted a child will come from last's activities. I have always regretted not having a family of my own but at the same time I cannot help but believe I trapped you into this."
"Nonsense," Harry replied and quickly moved so that his body pinned hers against the bed. His emerald eyes bore into hers before he continued. "I made the decision to bring you to Potter Estate last night because I cared for you prior and didn't want others to see you so vulnerable. I accepted the situation last night and the upcoming nuptials because I couldn't bear the thought of someone else just bedding you and walking away from you and the child they helped to create. You deserve so much more than that. You deserve someone that is willing to hold you tightly and someone that will love you always. You deserve someone that will change their share of nappies and will walk the floor at night pacifying a crying infant so you can rest. You deserve that ring on your finger and a last name that will match that of your child. It's so frustrating you don't know your own worth."
Minerva stared up at him in wonder, tears filling her emerald eyes once again. Never had anyone told her she deserved better nor had she ever believed she deserved anything better. She certainly didn't expect Harry to think so highly of her nor did she realize beforehand that he actually cared for her. Before she could respond, he surprised her once again. He slipped inside of her and kissed her passionately sending flames throughout her body. Minerva could only moan as Harry started loving her once more. She pushed everything else out of her mind as she enjoyed Harry and his love without the present of potions muddling her thoughts.