Chapter 7

Hermione waltzed in when it was dinner time. She pecked Harry and Minerva on the cheek before taking her customary seat at the formal dining table. Hermione helped herself to a plate of her favorites before stating, "You owe me big time."

Hermione explained she had been to the Records Management department that morning and discovered Harry and Minerva were married last night with the completion of their soul bond. Hermione added she had to call in several favors to keep the information hidden until the weekend and how she had to offer a scoop of a lifetime to the Daily Prophet editor in order to not publish the story in the next paper. "I promised a wedding photo in exchange for the right to approve the final draft before Sunday's edition," Hermione admitted apologetic.

Minerva replied, "I believe that's fair Hermione. At least this way, we will be in control of how the story is presented and in what light we are shone. Goodness knows the public will be outraged over me teaching Harry and the substantial age gap."

Harry looked from Hermione to Minerva before asking, "Why do neither of you seem surprised by the whole part of us being soul bound? I am certainly surprised by it."

Minerva and Hermione looked at Harry with slightly guilty expressions. Minerva sighed before saying, "I found Lily's painting in the library today and she told me about it. She noticed a golden thread between her pregnant belly and my heart so she made some inquiries and found it. She decided against telling either of us about it so everything would happen naturally."

Harry thought for a moment before nodding his head in acceptance. Then he turned his attention to Hermione curious how she knew the information. "How long have you known Mione?" he asked inquisitively.

She averted her eyes and chewed on her bottom lip nervously before admitting, "A few weeks after the ritual but Lily made me promise not to tell you. She didn't want your decision to be just acceptance of being fated together. You already had to deal with the damn prophecy! She wanted you to make the decision without the knowledge of the soul bond. Your mother wanted you to be happy and have a choice regarding your future."

Harry nodded once again. Harry was frustrated his mother had kept the information from him but at the same time he was grateful he had decided to marry Minerva before he knew of the soul bond. "I should be upset mum didn't tell me but I find I am just relieved I made the decision to marry before I knew the information. I can convince myself I had a choice unlike that damn prophecy," he said honestly.

Minerva leaned into him and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "The fates may have willed it but we made the decisions," Minerva whispered reassuringly. Harry gave her a genuine smile.

"Enough of these topics that can't be helped," Hermione said then added, "We have a wedding to plan!"

Later that evening, Harry was propped up in bed with a book firmly ensconced in his grasp. He looked up rather surprised as Minerva came into the room from the bathroom adjunct to the room. She stopped on the other side of the bed as she removed the thin tartan robe she had on and laid it on a nearby chair. She turned rather slowly giving Harry the opportunity to appreciate her lithe form. She wore a silky green nightie and her hair was once again flowing down her back in raven locks. She smiled shyly before sliding in between the sheets on what she mentally claimed as her side of the bed. She turned onto her side so she could watch Harry and settled down on the pillow. "What are you reading," she asked nonchalantly.

"It's a book on Defense," Harry answered watching a single eyebrow raise in question. He chuckled before he elaborated. "I plan on trying for my mastery. I have skated by for long enough, either relying on others' knowledge or 'sheer dumb luck' as a very wise witch once said." Minerva snorted at this and rolled her eyes. She remembered saying that phase many of times in his present. He smiled before adding, "I plan to try for several of them in the next few years."

"Truly," Minerva asked rather surprised but pleased nonetheless.

Harry nodded. "I haven't told anyone yet especially Mione. I am hoping to surprise her if I gain my mastery," he said honestly then explained as best as he could. "Mione has always supported me and I feel like she would be so happy if I did gain my mastery in something. I decided to self-study as opposed to studying under a Master in Defense. It is my strongest area and considering I vanquished the most recent Dark Lord, I hope I will be able to pass it and not have the entire wizarding population knowing I am attempting my mastery."

"I believe that is a wise decision. Everyone wants to know what the savior of the wizarding world is up to these days," Minerva teased. It was Harry's turn to roll his eyes. "Hermione will be thrilled at just the attempt," Minerva replied honestly. "I am pleasantly surprised and am willing to help you any way I can."

"Thanks," he said. "I appreciate it Minerva." He laid his book on the bedside table and shifted to lie facing her. "I didn't know if I would see you tonight," he said while interlocking his fingers with hers. "I am certainly glad of it though."

Minerva studied him for a moment before deciding blunt honesty was the best in this situation. "I was not entirely sure I would be here tonight either. I debated on just staying in Hermione's rooms while I tried to make sense of everything that has happened but I could not do it. We are soul bound, legally married, and I will not take that lightly no matter the situation that led to it. My place is here with you," she said then smirked before asking, "Did you not mention something about wooing me?"

Harry laughed outright before answering, "I certainly did." He quickly drew her into his arms and kissed her passionately. She responded with just as much passion. His heart was soaring at her commitment to him, to their marriage. He would do everything in his power to make this witch, his witch, happy or at least die trying to do so.