Chapter 9

Harry nervously stood on the platform where the teacher's table normally resides in the Great Hall waiting on the wedding ceremony to start. He had been blown away when he had first walked into the Great Hall. Hermione had insisted on decorating the Great Hall without Harry or Minerva even catching a peak. Minerva had simply sighed and allowed Hermione to have complete control. The tables had been moved from the Great Hall for the wedding and following reception. Smaller, intimate tables were placed throughout the Hall. The room had been decorated with golds and reds and was overflowing with a variety of flowers. Harry was sure he had never even seen several of the flowers before. Hermione had enlisted the staff at Hogwarts to help her decorate and make the day perfect for Minerva and Harry. Harry teared up when he noticed Hermione had brought his parents' portrait so they could witness the union as well.

Harry smoothed out his black dress robes nervously. Hermione had insisted he wear his very best Head of House robes complete with his entire lineage. Harry normally only displayed his Potter lineage but today the Black and Gryffindor House badges were displayed proudly. Neville, his best mate, who was standing next to him dressed in his own Head of House robes chuckled at Harry. "No need to be nervous," his friend said then teased. "It's not like she can take house points now."

Harry grinned and shook his head at the wizard standing beside of him. Neville had grown into a great wizard and Harry was proud to call him his best friend. Neville had surprised Hermione and him with his unwavering determination and strong integrity. Neville had turned down the job offer from the Aurors after the final battle and instead sought a Herbology apprenticeship with Professor Sprout. He insisted on making his own path and not relying on what he had done during the war or who his family was. "It would be interesting to see if I could distract her enough where she would want to take house points," Harry responded then added, "Maybe I could seduce her in the old transfiguration classroom." Neville just groaned at the image in his head.

Harry turned his attention to the main doors that started to open as soft music started playing in the background. He watched as Hermione walked into the room. He smiled widely when he heard the gasps when the guests noticed the Potter badge on her Golden dress robes. She smiled radiantly as she made her way down the aisle to the designated place for Minerva's witness or as she saw it Maid of Honor in muggle terms. Hermione stepped in front of Harry before proudly saying, "Your betrothed is breathtaking my brother."

Harry inwardly laughed at Hermione's antics. What a way to tell the wizarding world of his choice to make her his sister. Harry nodded his head politely in acknowledgement before replying, "Thank you my sister." Hermione took her place as they waited for Minerva.

Within moments, the closed doors opened once again with Minerva standing in the center of the doors beautifully still. Gasps filled the room as Minerva took a few steps inside of the Great Hall and paused as she smiled at Harry. She was dressed in Gryffindor red fitted dress robes that showed the allusion of her wondrous curves the witch normally hid. Her hair, the glorious raven locks Harry loved, cascaded down her back in elegant curls. She wore a Celtic headpiece that reminded Harry of a muggle tiara. He had learned Minerva's mother was a descendant of a highland clan princess but she didn't broadcast the fact normally.

Minerva slowly walked down the aisle smiling the entire way. Minerva was aware she had a little extra sway in her hips but she couldn't help it due to the way the dress robes were made. She believed Hermione had left a few extra requests for her dress once she left Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Minerva couldn't help but feel beautiful in the dress, it flattered her figure perfectly. She stopped when she reached Harry's side and turned to face him. Happy tears fell unashamedly down his face and she couldn't resist reaching out and wiping them away. She gently pressed a kiss to his lips in reassurance before focusing on the Minister of Magic who had jumped at the chance to conduct this wedding. "I believe the kiss is supposed to come at the end," he said to Minerva with amusement shining on his face. "Shall we begin?"

Minerva's musical laughter greeted Harry as they arrived in the master suite at Potter Estate. Her eyes were shining in mirth as she looked at her husband. "I cannot believe you portkeyed us out of our own wedding reception," she said with a smile then added, "Before we could say our goodbyes."

Harry just grinned before he pressed a kiss to Minerva's lips. "I couldn't resist having you all to myself," he admitted shamelessly before grasping her left hand and kissing her palm. Minerva smiled at the gesture, the same one he did that first night they were together.

"I do not know when or how it happened," she started as her emerald eyes sought out his. "Somewhere along the way I have fell completely in love with you," she admitted. "I can feel your love for me through the soul bond and it is breathtaking."

Harry quickly drew her into his arms and kissed her more passionately than she could recall him ever doing before. The kiss ended when breathing became difficult for the both of them. "I love you so very much Minerva," Harry whispered emotionally. "I am blessed to have you as my wife."

The tears welled in emerald eyes as she felt the depth of his love for her through their bond. She wrapped her arms around him and simply said, "Love me husband."

"Always," he whispered as he swept her in his arms and walked her to the massive bed and gently laid her down. "My precious wife," he said as he claimed her lips once more.

Harry made love to her slowly and sweetly the entire night through. There wasn't an area of her body he hadn't worshiped. He kissed, nipped and licked with his mouth while his hands and fingers caressed her gently. Their unhurried lovemaking was passionate, raw, and amazingly beautiful and left both in tears several times throughout the night. Minerva had never dreamed she could be loved so well. That night she swore on her magic she would love Harry forever.