A/N: Many thanks to Muggle Jane and Krissy for looking this over for me. Thank you all for the kind reviews! I hope everyone enjoys this update! xx

Disclaimer: The characters and canon situations in the following story belong solely to JK Rowling, Scholastic and WB. I am not making any money from the publishing or writing of this story.

Chapter 19

The next morning, the two of them woke up rather early. Ginny left Hermione so she could get ready in Gryffindor Tower. As Hermione got ready in her new private bathroom, she grinned. It was rather nice to get ready without Lavender or Parvati hogging the sinks or mirrors.

After getting dressed, she headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. She took a seat at the Gryffindor Table, thankful that there wasn't anyone else down yet. It was still early, and many of the students were probably still in bed.

Hermione buttered herself some toast and filled a glass with orange juice. Taking a sip, she sighed. She wondered just how awful today would be.

"Hello, Mrs. Black."

Turning, Hermione saw Professor McGonagall. "Hello, Professor."

"I'm sure it'll take quite some time for you to adjust to your new title," Professor McGonagall stated. "If you'd like to come to my office tonight, you're more than welcome to. There are a few things I believe you'd be interested in knowing."

Hermione nodded. "Is after dinner all right, Professor?"

"Of course, Mrs. Black, I shall see you then." Professor McGonagall gave her a smile before continuing on her way to the Heads' Table.

Looking to the door of the Great Hall, she saw Harry, Ron, and Ginny coming down the way. "Hello, Hermione," Ginny greeting her, taking the seat next to her.

Ron and Harry each took a seat on the opposite side of the table.

"Morning, Hermione," Ron said, stuffing a muffin in his mouth. "It's 'ood to see you," he mumbled.

Hermione shook her head. "Don't talk with your mouth full, Ronald!" she chided him.

"How are you?" Harry asked. "Sorry we weren't around last night when you got back."

"It's all right," Hermione assured them. "It was nice to have some girl time with Ginny."

"Did you have fun?" Harry inquired as he helped himself to some breakfast.

"Oh, yes!" Hermione exclaimed. "We went to Paris. I've got some gifts for you in my room. We weren't there very long, obviously, but I did get to see a lot of beautiful sights. I'm hoping we can return over break."

"Sounds nice," Harry said. "I'm sure Ginny filled you in on what's been going on."

"She has. Honestly, people need to mind their own business. I'm not the only student getting married. Girls should be worrying about their own marriages instead of sticking their nose into mine."

"Did Sirius treat you well?" Harry asked, a worried expression on his face.

Hermione felt her insides warm at his concern. "Of course he did, Harry. Sirius is a gentleman, and he was very kind to me. He's been a good husband so far, despite our situation."

"Good, good," Harry said, relieved.

"Why did you think he'd treat me badly?" Hermione inquired. "He doesn't seem as that sort of man."

"I don't know, I know he's been very angry about the law… I just wanted to make sure he didn't take it out on you," Harry answered sheepishly.

"Of course not!" Hermione exclaimed. "Sirius would never do such a thing, Harry, and shame on you for thinking it!"

"Sorry," he mumbled as he cut into his pancakes. "Just wanted to make sure."

Hermione sighed. "It's all right, Harry. But there is a small issue."

"What?" Ginny and Ron asked at the same time.

"Well, I can't imagine Malfoy will be too happy about this, as he's been trying to marry me himself. Sirius asked that I not walk anywhere alone."

"Done," Harry stated. "And I'll continue to check the map. You know, this almost proves that Malfoy's a Death Eater. Why else would he want to marry you?"

"Jeez, thanks, Harry," Hermione grumbled, shooting him a glare.

"Not what I meant," he replied, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "But I bet you Voldemort put him up to the task."

"But we don't have any proof of that," Ron pointed out.

"I know," Harry grumbled.

At this point, more and more students were filing into the Great Hall. Hermione did her best to ignore the whispers and stares, but they were starting to get on her nerves.

"Ignore them," Ginny whispered, noticing Hermione's increasing stress.

Hermione nodded, biting her lip. She knew Ginny was right, it would just be best to ignore them.

"We're about done with breakfast so we can head to class if you'd like," Ron offered, giving her a small smile.

"All right," Hermione said.

"We'll probably be the first ones at the Greenhouses too!" Harry said excitedly. "Let's go."

"See you later, Ginny," Hermione said, hugging her redheaded friend.

"See you," Ginny replied. She watched them leave before returning to her breakfast.

Luckily, the three made it to the Greenhouses without interference from anyone else. Professor Sprout was already there, fussing over a plant that Hermione had never seen before.

"Hello, Professor," Hermione said, announcing their presence.

Professor Sprout startled. "Oh, Miss Granger, oh, I mean Mrs. Black, you gave me quite a fright."

Hermione smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Professor. May I ask what you're doing?"

"Oh, this. This plant is something of my own creation. It's a cross between gillyweed and mint. Those who've had gillyweed know that the taste is incredibly unpleasant. I've been experimenting with a way to take away some of the bitterness in the leaves. So far I've not had any success, but I'm determined to find away," Professor Sprout said happily.

Harry nodded in agreement. "Gillyweed does taste nasty."

"Oh, Mister Potter, that is correct! I had forgotten you had gillyweed during the Triwizard Tournament. Good, good, perhaps you'd be interested in helping me experiment?" She looked at Harry expectantly.

Harry turned bright red. "Er, no thank you, Professor Sprout. I think I've got enough on my plate."

Professor Sprout frowned. "Oh, I suppose you're right."

"Professor," Hermione interjected. "I think Neville would be interested in helping you. He has an affinity for plants."

"Yes, he does," Professor Sprout murmured to herself. She turned away from the trio, whispering under her breath. "Perhaps I should speak with him about an Apprenticeship."

The three of them took their usual places at the table. Hermione wondered what they were going to work on today.

The rest of the students filed in and for once, Hermione was grateful that the Gryffindors shared Herbology class with Hufflepuff.

"Hello, Hermione," Neville said, giving her a smile. "Welcome to the family."

"What?" she asked. "Neville, we're not related."

"My great-great grandfather and Sirius's great-grandfather were brothers." Neville grinned. "See, all Pureblood families are related one way or another."

"Oh, yes, I suppose that is true," Hermione agreed. "But if we're being honest, my closest Pureblood family would be the Malfoys, although I'm sure the Weasleys and Potter family would be in the family tree as well."

Ron nodded. "Neville and me are like, third cousins or something."

Hermione shivered. "Er, okay, stop please. I'd rather not think about all the incest going on in the wizarding world."

"Attention everyone, it's time to begin class," Professor Sprout said, gaining everyone's attention. "You'll need your dragonhide gloves today as you'll be repotting achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow. The type you'll be repotting specifically is sneezewort. Can anyone tell me what sneezewort is commonly used for?"

Hermione's hand shot in the air. She ignored Ron's eye roll.

"Yes, Mrs. Black?"

"Sneezewort is a potion ingredient that is used to make Confusing and Befuddlement Draughts," she answered.

"Correct!" Professor Sprout said. "Ten points to Gryffindor. Now it's important to wear gloves when handling the sneezewort, as the leaves can cause sneezing. If you touch a leaf with your bare skin, and then later touch your face, you'll end up with a terrible sneezing fit that Madame Pomfrey will have to treat. So, why don't we all avoid that by putting on our gloves?"

The class worked in silence as they repotted the sneezewort. A few times, a student or two would let out a sneeze. Luckily, Hermione was very careful not to touch the plant leaves to her bare skin. She didn't fancy spending the evening in the Hospital Wing.

Eventually, class was over and it was time for History of Magic. Once again, no one said anything to Hermione about her marriage, but she could hear everyone talking behind her back. It was annoying, but Hermione reminded herself that there were more important things to worry about. She didn't have time to reprimand so-and-so for gossiping.

Hermione scribbled notes on about the creation of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy. She ignored both Ron and Harry's snores, as she knew they'd be asking for her notes later on.

The rest of the day went by in a similar fashion. After classes were over, Hermione, Ron, and Harry went down to visit Hagrid. He served them tea as they discussed Hermione's new marriage and the law in general.

"Real shame," Hagrid said, shaking his head. "Forcing ye kids to get married."

After visiting with Hagrid, the three of them went to dinner. It was a rather uneventful affair.

"Are you finished with dinner, Mrs. Black?" Professor McGonagall asked.

Hermione nodded. "Yes, Professor, I am. Are you ready for our meeting?"

"I am, let's be off." She waited for Hermione to stand before walking down to her office. Once there, they both took a seat on the couch.

"So, Hermione, how was Paris?" Minerva asked.

"Absolutely lovely, Minerva," Hermione replied, knowing it was all right to use informal speech as it was just the two of them. "I've actually got something for you." She reached into the pocket of her robe and pulled out Minerva's gift. "It's just a little thank you for all that you've done for me."

Minerva accepted it, a smile on her face. "Hermione, thank you so much. Les Misérables was always one of my favorite tales growing up. My step-father used to read it to me before bed."

Hermione beamed. "I'm so glad you like it. I wanted to get you something to show my thanks. You've been so helpful since this law came out, and I don't know what I would have done without you."

Minerva smiled as she reached over and took Hermione's hands. She gave them a light squeeze. "Hermione, don't you ever worry about being alone, all right? There are so many people who care about you."

Sniffling, Hermione nodded. "I know. I'm very lucky to have so many people who care. It's been difficult, but everyone's help has been wonderful."

Giving Hermione's hands one last squeeze, Minerva pulled away. "Now, why don't we get down to business?"

Hermione nodded. "What have I missed? Is our marriage legal with the Ministry?"

"Despite our roundabout way of doing it, the Ministry has accepted your engagement and marriage. However, I feel it prudent to let you know that there's been some discord. I spoke with Percy Weasley this morning, who informed me that Lucius Malfoy has been trying to get your marriage annulled. It's impossible of course, but he was quite determined."

Hermione sat back in her chair, biting her lower lip. "I knew this wouldn't be smooth sailing. No doubt Voldemort is furious that I married someone other than Malfoy. Really, I expected this."

"Professor Dumbledore did not want me to tell you," Minerva admitted in a soft voice. "He told me that I should let you go on as if nothing has changed, but, Hermione, you know everything has changed. I just wanted you to be aware of the situation."

"Thank you, Minerva. I really appreciate you telling me this." Hermione sighed, before perking up a bit. "Did you say Percy told you this?"

Minerva nodded curtly. "Percy is a spy, although no one knows this but Professor Dumbledore and me."

"But Molly and Arthur should know! It would save them both a lot of pain."

"They can't. Percy's so-called feud with his family only strengthens the Ministry's trust in him. He has access that no one else is able to get, not even Kingsley."

Hermione was quiet for a moment. "We've been judging him wrong all this time."

"And you must continue to do so," Minerva said. "No one must know, Hermione."

"I understand, Minerva. I won't tell anyone, I swear," Hermione vowed.

"Good, now why don't you tell me about Paris?"

The two of them sat talking in Minerva's office late into the night.