AN: Mad, bad & happy to be writing this story. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the amazing support and kind words. ;D

THE TIES THAT BIND

Chapter 16

NOW & FOREVER

The sun had yet to rise over the Scottish highlands on this very special summer day. Throughout the expansive lands of McGonagall Manor, there seemed to be an ecstatic wave of rolling joy that raced pell mell over the hills and fields, throughout the loch valley and over forested acres.

In a secluded meadow at the edge of Loch Shastia a small group of unicorns stood at the edge of the glade. Their dark eyes gazing curiously as a group of about thirty house elves swiftly and efficiently set up chairs, two deep emerald colored tents and a small dais. There appeared to be a single elf in charge. The small creature waved his clawed hands and shouted orders that the others scurried to obey.

The Grand Sire blinked his depthless ebony eyes. This was to be the place where the Mistress and The Witch of the Light were to be joined.

At last.

There was deep satisfaction in his heart. He started to move towards the activity in the center of the meadow. His silver mane and tail swishing as he moved. With a twinkle, the unicorn realized that the ceremony was to take place in the exact spot where the Mistress had knelt before her love and asked for the young woman's hand. He thought it highly appropriate.

Izer sighed and rested fisted claws on his tiny hips. His tartan tunic fluttered slightly in the early morning breeze. The mistress had gifted her elves with special attire for such a special occasion. He smoothed the emerald and ivory fabric down his tiny chest marveling at how the crimson and gold threading seemed to shimmer. He and his family were to be included in the formalities. After all, they were part of the family too. The Miss had been quite insistent that the elves be part of the festivities as well.

The tiny creature smiled. He would make sure the elves were present, but also that they attended to their chores as was proper!

Hearing the sound of hooves, he turned to see the small herd of unicorns making their way towards him. The Grand Sire leading the way. Golden eyes widened in surprise at the boldness of the normally shy magical creatures. As the great silver stallion stopped directly in front of the elf, Izer bowed low, "We's be honored greats one."

'Tis I who am honored small one. It is a grand day is it not?' The Grand Sire's deep black eyes blinked as he sent his thoughts to the elf.

Izer rose with a smile, "The Mistress finds the greats love ats last."

If a unicorn could smile, then Odaan would be doing so. He was happy that Minerva and Hermione were to be joined at last. Fixing his gaze once more on Izer, he sent..

'I have something that would have great meaning to the Mistress and The Witch of the Light to be presented at the ceremony. I should like to explain...'

With that, the tiny house elf and the large unicorn walked away from the herd to discuss what Odaan had in mind.

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She had the distinct feeling she was being stared at. That was the first thought that entered into the Headmistress' mind as she slowly awakened. Opening her emerald eyes, she was delighted to discover two chocolate orbs peering intently into her face. Two eyes barely inches from her own. She watched as those smouldering dark eyes crinkled a bit and a mischievious whisper could be heard..

"Five galleons love you long time witchy witch!" Hermione's voice was pitched rather high. It sounded to Minerva like she was being propositioned by a garden pixie.

Deep, delighted laughter was heard echoing thoughout the hallowed halls of McGonagall Manor... or as Hermione had just referred to it... "Minnie & Mione's House of Lurve".

The young witch presently found herself rolling around the huge four posted bed giggling under the merciless tickling of her wife-to-be.

Down in the entry hall, portraits looked at one another with huge silly grins. This joining was breathing such amazing life and love back into their home. Edeen smiled at her wife, "This is going to be a wonderful union."

Fiona grinned, wrapping her arms around her wife, "Aye... just like our's."

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There was a sharp knocking on the door of the small house in the muggle neighborhood of Wellsley on the Green. John Granger looked up from his computer. Frowning, he muttered, "Who could that be so early in the morning." Pulling his robe tighter about his body, he went to answer the door.

Standing on the step was a rather non-descript red haired man. About his age, maybe a tad older. "Are you John Granger?" The man asked pleasantly.

John's tired blue eyes narrowed a bit, "Who wants to know?" He reached for the cane he kept behind the door.

The red haired man smiled winningly, "I'm Arthur Weasley. My son is a friend of your daughter."

Granger's eyebrows rose, "Which daughter?"

Grinning Arthur nodded, "Indeed!" He looked around, then asked, "May I come in a moment?"

Hermione's father stepped aside, allowing Arthur to enter his home. The red haired man gazed about John's home in wonder. Amazed at all the muggle devices! Sighing regretfully, he turned to John, "Is there some place we can talk?"

John motioned for Arthur to enter his study. He followed the wizard, shaking his head. No matter how many times he tried to avoid the magical world, it just seemed to track him down!

He entered his study to see Arthur leaning over his computer with a look of wonder in his clear blue eyes. Weasley looked up and pointed at the pc, "Is that a comporter?" He was eager to learn all he could about muggle things.

Granger shook his head, "A c-o-m-p-u-t-e-r." He raised an eyebrow, surely wizards knew what the hell a computer was? Surely?

Arthur nodded, "Ah." He looked around at the other items in John's tidy study. A telephone, fax machine, copier/printer. It was fascinating!

"What do you want?"

Arthur pulled himself out of his musings, "You know your daughter is getting married today."

Granger snorted, "Yeah, if you call joining with that dyke witch marriage."

Suddenly he found himself on the business end of Arthur Weasley's wand, "You will never refer to Minerva McGonagall as a "dyke witch" again." Arthur's voice was calm, but his eyes were anything but.

Granger frowned, "I don't care what you call it. Hermione is involved with a lesbian. Supposedly getting married. Maybe you can do that in your world, but you sure can't in mine!" He stepped over to his liquor cabinet. It was still way too early for drinking but... bugger it! Remembering his last visit with Minerva, he poured Arthur a measure as well.

The red haired wizard sniffed his glass, shrugged, then knocked his drink back. His eyes widened at the burn! Oy! That was a man's drink for sure. "What is that?"

Grinning, John held up the bottle, "Jim Beam."

Arthur smiled, realizing that this was the drink that had gotten Hermione and Minerva so sozzled last year. Boy did it have a kick! Whew!

John poured each of them another measure, then took a seat behind his desk, "What is this about?" Surely the man didn't show up on his doorstep to simply oogle his technology and drink his whiskey.

Arthur took a seat in a chair against the wall. Sighing, he spoke. His voice filled with sadness, "My wife has gifted me with seven children. Six boys and one girl. I lost my son Fred in the great battle against Voldemort."

John took a sip of his drink nodding. He knew about the battle.

Arthur continued, "My daughter Ginny is the apple of my eye. I love her dearly. She is a lovely young woman with a bright future and has a young wizard madly in love with her." He grinned as he thought of Harry.

Granger nodded again, feeling sympathy at hearing of the death of Fred. He had a feeling he knew where this conversation was headed.

Scratching his head, Arthur fixed the muggle a steady look, "I can't imagine not walking my Ginny down the aisle when the time comes."

John Granger closed his eyes. He loved Hermione so much. He just couldn't seem to get over his prejudice.

"Are you going to turn your back on both your daughters simply because they love someone with magic?" Arthur's question was plain. He shook his head sighing, "Just because you don't agree with their lifestyle or the choices they make doesn't mean you should stop loving them. They need their father."

John felt tears welling up in his eyes, so he knocked back his drink in a single gulp.

Arthur finished his drink and said, "Don't let your fear keep you from enjoying your daughter's special day and from being a part of it." He stood and walked over to John. Patting his shoulder, he added, "You may not get another chance."

Rubbing a hand over his face, John Granger realized what he had to do. Standing, he faced the kindly wizard and said, "When do we leave?"

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Hermione stood in front of the full length mirror in her mother's bedroom. Actually it was her old bedroom as her mother and Dawn had moved into the flat permanently. Or at least until she and Minerva could convince the fiercely independant Jean Granger to move to the Manor. Hermione's mother didn't want to intrude. Minerva had argued that the manor had plenty of room. So much so, that they was a chance that they wouldn't even see each other some days.

Still Jean had stood firm... for now.

Grinning, Hermione's thoughts moved to the stunning dress she had just put on. Her great-grandmother Sarah's dress. Ivory colored with a form fitting bodice that showed off her ample cleavage to perfection. Flaring out at her curvaceous hips the satin gown glimmered as hundreds of tiny pearls sewn into the fabric formed floral designs that caught the light. The gown had small shoulder straps that covered the very top of Hermione's arms at the shoulder and was sleeveless. Thus showing off the young witch's fabulously tanned and flawless skin.

On her wrist, the young witch wore the charm bracelet that Minerva had gifted her with on their very first Christmas together at Grimmauld Place five years ago*. She smiled as the memory their first time together came to her mind.

The bedroom door opened and her mother stepped in followed by Molly Weasley and Rolanda Hooch. The older witches paused as the stunningly attractive young bride-to-be turned to them.

Gasping, Jean Granger's mocha eyes filled with tears, "You are so beautiful!" She moved to her eldest daughter, wrapping her arms around the young woman and pulling her into a motherly embrace.

Molly's crystal blue eyes clouded with her own tears as she observed the touching scene. In her hands, she held the piece of tartan fabric that Angus had presented Hermione with the day before. Seeing the way the gown fit on the young witch, Molly pondered just what would look nice.

Rolanda solved the problem when she blurted, "Just make a bloody bow around her waist for Merlin's sake!"

Molly shot the flying instructor a withering glare saying, "It would mess up the lines at her waist!" She walked over to Hermione and Jean, "Turn 'round dear."

Hermione turned around revealing the back of the gown... or the lack there of.

"Whoa! Minerva's gonna love that!" Hooch crowed seeing that the gown was backless. A plunging vee shape ending at the top of Hermione's ample backside.

Molly's eyes bulged, "Oh no you don't young lady!" With that, she waved her wand and the fabric bearing the colors of Minerva's clan immediately formed an attractive bow at the bottom of the "v". "Much better I say." The Weasley matriarch sighed casting a look of approval at Jean.

The older woman nodded, "Much better indeed." She frowned at her daughter, "We do not show our bum to anyone but our spouse."

Hermione grinned, "You couldn't see my bum!"

Snorting, Hooch sniped, "Damn near. You bend over the wrong way and you'll be showing the moon!"

The older women cackled as a deep blush colored Hermione's beautiful face.

Molly reached into her pocket and pulled out a silver six pence. Handing it to Hermione, she said, "Put it in your shoe for luck."

Grinning, Hooch stepped back and looked at her watch, "Oy! I gotta get to the manor or Minerva will be dithering!" The witch had agreed to stand with her friend as she took her vows. She shot Hermione a warm smile, "You are a beautiful bride and Minerva is one lucky witch!" She leaned over and gave Jean a loving kiss, "I'll see you later luv." Turning, she strolled out of the bedroom and headed to the floo.

Molly was grinning from ear to ear as she stated, "I wonder when she'll pop you the question?" She giggled as Jean turned scarlet in embarrassment.

Hermione grinned, "You're going to be in that group of mad women scrambling for the bouquet you know."

Flustered, Jean waved her hands, "Oh bother you two! Come on, we need to appledate to the meadow."

Molly leaned in, "It's apparate dear..."

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Minerva stood in her and Hermione's bedroom. The components of her father's colors lying on the bed. She was wearing a lacy white knicker and bra set that her young love had gifted her with last Christmas. Smirking as she thought of the Scottish tradition of going knickerless under her kilt.

Reaching down, she picked up a starched white silk -button up blouse. Pulling it on, she quickly fastened the buttons. Next, she reached for the ruffle piece that attached at the neck of the blouse. After securing that, she pulled on her father's kilt.

The article of clothing magically sized itself to fit her slender waist. The emerald green and ivory fabric coming to rest just above her knees. The older witch smoothed the fabric, noticing the crimson and gold threading glimmered in the morning sunlight.

Tucking the blouse in, she sat on the bed and pulled on a pair of brown leather knee boots. The leather was quite soft to the touch. Next, Minerva attached crimson and gold tassels to the top of her boots. The decorative items dangled about four inches on the outside of Minerva's shins. She rose from the bed and took a few experimental steps to see how they would hold up to her movement. The older witch gave a satisfied smirk when the dangling items didn't fall off. Moving back to the bed, she grabbed a wide black belt and fastened it around her softly curved hips. The large buckle of the belt was a celtic rope design in solid silver.

Picking up her seal skin sporran, she attached it to her belt. She adjusted the length a bit so it hung about six inches below her belt buckle. The cantle was of a celtic link design and was crafted in solid silver as well. Three tassels hung merrily from the chain as well.

She was pulling on a form fitting black vest with gold piping around the edges when Rolanda Hooch opened the bedroom door and strolled in. Seeing Minerva, she stopped dead in her tracks, "Merlin's beard! You look like a highlander headed off to fight Robert the Bruce!"

The older witch raised an eyebrow and said tartly, "It is good manners to knock before entering someone's bedroom you know."

Hooch grinned mischieviously, "What 'cha gonna do?"

Fastening the vest, Minerva replied, "Nothing. Hermione might just blast your arse though!"

Both witches chuckled at the thought of the diminutive witch hexing Hooch in the backside.

Minerva reached for her tartan sash as Hooch moved to help her put it on. Placing it over the older witch's left shoulder and drawing it diagonally across her chest and back, Hooch fastened the fabric at Minerva's right hip with the McGonagall kilt pin. A solid silver fastener fashioned to look like scrolls intertwined with ivy.

The next item was a black leather sheath attached to the left side of Minerva's belt buckle. Into it, her father's Sgian Dubh daggar slid. The blade engraved with the scrolls and ivy. The symbol of the McGonagall clan... Growth Through Knowledge.

Rolanda reached for a leather scabbard attached to a thin black band. This went around Minerva's waist with the plain scabbard hanging off the older witch's left hip. "Where is the sword?" The spikey haired witch inquired curiously.

Minerva closed her eyes and called, "Izer!"

The tiny house elf immediately popped into view, his large golden eyes widening as he beheld his Mistress.

The Headmistress gazed down at the tiny creature, "I need the last items."

Nodding the tiny creature vanished, only to reappear seconds later clutching a velvet wrapped parcel in his clawed hands. Placing the parcel on the bed, the tiny elf unwrapped it reverently. A sword was revealed and another smaller parcel. The McGonagall family sword was gently lifted by the elf and walked over to his Mistress. With a small bow, he carefully slid it into the scabbard.

Minerva brought her hands to the hilt of the sword and adjusted it for comfort. She watched as her elf moved back to the bed and unwrapped the next item of her wedding wardrobe. The head piece.

Merlin's crown. Worn only by a direct blood descendant.

Rolanda Hooch's yellow eyes widened as she watched her best friend kneel before her house elf.

Izer's tiny face was fixed in a deadly serious expression as he reached behind his Mistress' head and unfastened her bun.

The ebony tresses fell in silky waves over Minerva's shoulders and down her back.

The small creature raise the crown in both clawed hands high above his head and whispered, "A power granted, a power given, a power restored." Gently a placed the golden head piece upon Minerva's head. It actually was more like a head band then a crown. Resting upon the older witch's forehead, just above her eyebrows.

Hooch noticed some sort of finely engraved design in the golden brow piece, "What is that design on the gold?"

Izer turned to the witch, his normally jovial face still locked in a serious expression and replied, "It's elf writings. I's just says whats its means." He moved back to the bed. There was another smaller wrapped parcel waiting there."

Minerva smiled up at her friend's puzzled expression, "When Merlin mediated the settlement between elves and humans. Those were the words spoken at the mediation table."

There was great respect in her emerald eyes as she focused back on her elf. A tiny creature who had faithfully served her since she was a child. Large golden orbs fastened intently on emerald green. A large tear slipped down a tiny green face. A smaller one down an elegant cheek.

Clearing her throat, she whispered, "My most humble thanks."

The little face immediately brightened, "Most welcome Mistress." He gathered the items he'd just carefully unwrapped and moved back to his, still kneeling, Mistress. Looking up at Hooch, he said, "You's helps."

Hooch moved next to the elf, holding out her hands as he placed several articles in them. She didn't have time to examine them that closely as Izer began rapidly grabbing them and magically affixing them to the back part of the head piece.

The first item was the giant wing feather of a hippogriff, "This was givens with loves by Buckbeak." Izer stated as he attached the brownish feather. Next came a shorter snow white feather, "This was givens with loves by Hedwig." This too was attached. A red feather followed, "This was givens with loves by Fawkes."

Rolanda Hooch was never so moved as she was at this moment. Silent tears streamed down her best friend's lovely face as each sentence was said by Izer. She handed him the last item. A short length of silver cord.

"This was givens with loves by The Grand Sire hisself." Izer whispered attaching the last item next to the others. Turning to face his Mistress, the small creature leaned in and gently kissed the high born witch's cheek, "I's most proud to serves the House of McGonagall." Carefully the small clawed hands wiped away his Mistress' tears. "You's needs to fix you's face. The Miss will be nots happy to see's you's all blotchy like. No in-outie looking likes that!"

Hooch looked bewildered, "In outie?"

Minerva snorted, "Never mind!"

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Albus Dumbledore twirled in front of his mirror. The flowing rainbow colored robes danced and shimmied with his movements.

"You are NOT wearing that! Have some decency!"

He turned to see Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey and Rubeus Hagrid standing there. Well, the first three were actually inside the room. Hagrid stood outside. He wouldn't fit.

Dumbledore looked down at his robes, "What?"

Poppy rolled her eyes, "Never has a set of robes screamed "Gay Pride" like those!" She folded her arms across her chest with a raised eyebrow.

Dumbledore noticed that the others did the same, "Well... what do you think I'm officiating? It's a same sex wedding!"

Flitwick snorted, "Stop being such a Flame-o! This is Minerva and Hermione's day."

Pomona nodded, "Yeah, you need to tone it down a bit."

Sighing grumpily, Albus waved his wand and instantly his robes changed to dark blue with silver piping along the edges. Snorting, he asked, "Boring enough for you?" Seeing his collegues nod in satisfaction, he added, "Fine. Let's go."

Everyone reached for the port key... a scrap of tartan fabric, with Dumbledore bitching, "I still think it would've added a bit of festivity to the event."

"Shut up Albus!" A screamed chorus ranted as they disappeared.

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Minerva stood quietly inside one of the two tents that were set up earlier. She was slightly nervous and paced a bit.

"I don't know what you're nervous about. Merlin woman you've been with the witch for nearly five years now!" Hooch stood with her hands on her emerald clad robes. All the bridal attendants would be wearing some form of emerald and chocolate. Hooch had a brown inner robe with a flowing emerald outer robe. She looked quite handsome.

The Headmistress glared at her friend, "I'm just a little squicky that's all!"

"Well get unsquicky!" Came a younger, but very familiar voice.

Both older witches whirled around to see Dawn Granger entering the tent. The young witch was clad similarly to Hooch, only she wore a muggle bride's maid's gown.

Hermione wanted the fact that she was muggle raised reflected in the ceremony. A subtle hint that sometimes real power comes not from a pure bloodline, but from the heart. Dawn's dark green dress was full length with half sleeves and a "v" neck dipping modestly down her chest. A fan of brown lace covered her small cleavage. She held a small bouquet of white Scottish Heather.

"You look lovely." Minerva commented.

Dawn surveyed her new big sister with awe, "Wow you look really noble!" She squinted at Minerva's complexion and added, "But a little green." With that, she whirled around and quickly left the tent muttering something about getting a potion from Hermione.

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Hermione opened her chocolate eyes to find herself in a large tent. Various vanities, mirrors, dressing screens and lounges decorated the area. Beside her, her mother sighed, "I will never get used to magical travel."

"Well you've chosen to live this lifestyle, you might as well get used to it."

Both woman jumped at the very familiar male voice. Hermione looked around frantically. There sitting on an elegant chair in the far corner was her father, "Daddy?"

Molly Weasley entered the tent to Hermione's words. Eyes widening, she turned on her heel and exited just as quickly as she'd entered. Harry and Ron were waiting outside. Ready to escort their best friend up the aisle. Both young men were dressed in their finest robes. Harry in his black dress robes and Ron in something a little more updated from the last time he wore dress robes. Molly smiled at them and whispered, "Go take your seats. Plan "B" has been scrapped."

With widened eyes, both young men hurried back to their seats wondering what was up.

Back inside the tent, John Granger was wiping Hermione's eyes, "Careful now, you'll smear your war paint."

Jean smiled as she observed father and daughter, "I thought you didn't want anything to do with this."

John looked up at his ex-wife and sighed, "I've messed up enough." He made a rueful face and added, "A very nice red haired gentleman named Arthur paid me a visit this morning. He talked sense to me."

Gently caressing his daughter's beautiful face he said, "I know I can't make up for the past, but I can start over by doing this. I may not agree with the lifestyle you're living, but you're my daughter and I love you." He didn't add that after Arthur took him on a tour of McGonagall Manor he'd been awestruck and grudgingly admitted that Hermione would be well cared for by the Mistress of the Manor.

The tent flap opened and Ginny and Dawn walked in. The latter stopping short upon seeing her father, "Daddy?"

John looked at his youngest child with wonder. His little girl wasn't so little anymore. She was becoming a beautiful woman in her own right. The red haired young lady next to her must be Arthur's Ginny. He smiled at the red head.

At that moment, haunting music began to make it's way over the meadow. Shastia and Shivon, Mistresses of the Lochs, had begun to sing. A wordless song of love and longing. Touching the hearts of all those souls fortunate enough to hear.

"I guess it's time then." Jean stated, pulling her daughter into a deep embrace, "I love you baby." She whispered into her daughter's ear as she placed the lacy veil over her daughter's shining chestnut mane. Next she placed a wreath of white scottish Heather upon her child's head.

"I love you mum." Hermione replied taking a deep calming breath. At last the time had come!

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There was a shimmer glamour in place obscuring the vision of the wedding guests. They could not see through it to the tents, but the occupants of the tents could see the crowd. Minerva stepped out of the tent glancing first at Rolanda. The latter stood quietly by the side of her best friend.

The regal witch turned her head and gazed for a moment at the guests sitting quietly as Shivon and Shastia sang their tribute. The older witch watched Jean Granger take her seat next to Molly and Arthur Weasley. Behind them sat Harry and Ron. The two young men looking around them at the arrangements. Next to them sat George Weasley, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. The last two young people discovering a deep love between them.

Behind that group sat Bill and Fleur, Charlie, Percy and Penelope. Angelina Johnson also sat in that row.

On the other side of the aisle, in the first row sat two portraits. Albus Dumbledore had used some powerful magic to enable this small area to become enchanted enough so that Edeen and Fiona along with Keegan McGonagall could attend. Behind the portraits sat Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout and Poppy Pomfrey. Behind them, taking up practically the whole row, sat Hagrid. Next, a quiet row of house elves all sat proudly wearing their new tartan tunics.

Minerva felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she found herself face to face with her cousin Angus. The ghost was wearing his shiniest armor. "You look amazing cousin. Like a member of the Highland Guard." He grinned and motioned for her to get a move on.

The Headmistress stepped though the shimmer to the astonished murmurs of the invited guests...

"Blimey Harry! The professor looks like a highland warrior!"

"I think she might be."

"Wow, look at Minerva!"

"My God, she's wearing Merlin's crown!"

Albus Dumbledore felt his mouth drop. He knew Minerva was Merlin's descendent but he never fit the pieces together. He watched the older witch pace towards him with dignity and nobility. Her eyes flashed with courage and honor. Dumbledore never quite realized just how far above him Minerva truly was.

She never said a word or acted any different. Treating him and anyone around her with the respect she gave all living things. Never before did he realize just how unworthy he really was. He watched the beautifully elegant witch move towards him with the grace of a big cat. One hand resting on the hilt of her family's sword. Her kilt moving in time with her steady paces.

As she stepped before him, he leaned close and murmured, "Damn Tabby. I'm in awe of your greatness."

An elegant eyebrow rose as she whispered back, "Just keep that in mind the next time you want a raise."

Grinning Dumbledore leaned back a bit, winking at Hooch as she stepped up beside Minerva and nodding at Angus as he stood just beside Rolanda. Peering beyond his dear friend's shoulder, he said, "Take a look. Here comes your future."

Minerva turned and gasped as the breath left her body. Standing just inside the shimmer was her future wife. Minerva stood there and stared at the timeless beauty before her...

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"Ready pumpkin?" John Granger asked holding out his elbow.

"I've been ready since the first time I laid eyes on her." Hermione answered taking her father's arm.

Ginny and Dawn stepped out of the tent and through the shimmer.

Father and daughter took a deep breath and followed. John's muttered, "God I hate magic." Causing a smirk on his daughter's lovely face.

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A startled murmur rippled through the group as they recognized John Granger escorting his daughter up the aisle. Harry and Ron now realized just exactly what it was that changed plan "B".

"It's about time." Harry whispered as Ginny moved by him, followed by Dawn.

Hermione stared up the aisle at Minerva. She looked so splendid in her kilt. So fiercely beautiful was her Highlander. The young witch's chocolate eyes softened and filled with tears.

Minerva gazed with total adoration at her young love. Those nearest the older woman swore that her eyes were glowing as they reflected her love of the young witch. The Headmistress felt a sharp elbow to her ribs as a young voice hissed, "Remember to breathe Stick!"

Minerva shot her little sister a grin and stepped down from the dais as her wife-to-be approached. The older witch met the tired blue eyes of John Granger. A silent understanding passed between them.

"Take care of my daughter." He said loud enough for all to hear as he raised Hermione's veil.

"On my honor sir." Minerva stated as she took the young witch's small hand in her's. Staring into the eyes of eternity she whispered, "You're everything I never knew I always wanted."

John Granger wiped a tear away as he went and sat next to his ex-wife. Arthur Weasley leaned across his wife and patted him on the knee.

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As the couple stepped up on the dais, Dumbledore raised his hands and stated in a clear ringing voice, "Mile fa'ilte dhuit le d'bhreid fad do re gun robh thu slan. Moran laithean dhuit is sith le d'mhaitheas is le d'ni bhi fas.**

Minerva raised an eyebrow in surprise at Dumbledore's Scotch Gaelic. A warm feeling for her friend washed over her. That he would take the time to find that phrase and utter it so flawlessly spoke of the effort he must've gone through to learn it. She smiled as she felt a small squeeze in her hand.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and stated, "This is a very special day. Day of rejoicing. A day of completion and a day of beginning. These two women before me are very special in so many ways. Together they discovered each other. First as a teacher and student, then as a mentor and friend. Finally as lovers and now as joined spouses. Embarking on the greatest journey of all. The journey of discovery. The journey of love."

He smiled, his blue eyes twinkling as he looked over the assembled people, "Minerva and Hermione have written vows to be said in place of the traditional, if somewhat boring ones we're all used to hearing." He shot a grin at Poppy as her face darkend at his levity.

Nodding to the couple he whispered, "Whenever you're ready."

Hermione handed her bouquet to Ginny. Then she reached out and took Minerva's larger hands in her smaller ones. When she spoke, her voice rang out with all the love her heart held for the beautiful Highlander before her. Her voice reflected the conviction in her mind and heart that this woman truly was the other half of her soul.

"Past my mind, beyond my heart, I love you from my soul. That's the place where only you and God dwell. In the presence of God, Merlin and the ancients and before these witnesses I promise to be a loving, faithful and loyal wife to you for as long as we both shall live."

A single tear rolled down her cheek.

Minerva took a deep shuddering breath. All her life she'd searched for that one true love. And just when she'd given up hope of ever finding that person, Hermione Jean Granger drifted into her life. She was supremely thankful to whatever great being had decided that she, Minerva Mia McGonagall deserved a second chance...

"I, Minerva, in the presence of our families and friends claim you, Hermione as my lifemate. I belong to you. I offer my life for you. I give to you my protection, my allegiance, my heart, my soul and my body. I take into my keeping the same that is your's."

She blinked as tears sprung up, clouding her vision. Another shuddering breath followed with...

"Your life, happiness and welfare will be cherished and placed above my own for all time. You are my lifemate. Bound to me for all eternity and always in my care. In the presence of God, Merlin and the ancients and before these witnesses, I promise to be a loving, faithful and loyal wife to you for as long as we both shall live."

Hermione gently reached up and wiped the tears away from her love's beautiful face. Minerva's heart was open and exposed for all the world to see. It was spellbinding. Grasping the older witch's hands once more, the young witch took a shuddering breath of her own and stated...

"I, Hermione, take thee Minerva to be my wedded wife. Secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner and my one true love. On this special day I give you, in the presence of the powers that be of this world, my sacred promise to stay by your side as your faithful wife in sickness and in health, in joy and sorrow. Through the good times and the bad. I further promise to love you without reservation, to comfort you in times of distress. Laugh with you, cry with you. Grow with you in mind and spirit. To always be open and honest with you and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

There wasn't a dry eye present. Not human, elf, portrait or magical creature.

Minerva cleared her throat, not caring if tears were sliding down her cheeks, "Because of you I laugh, I smile. I dare to dream again. I love you Hermione and take you to be my wife, my best friend, my mate. Forever."

As one, the couple looked to Dumbledore. The elderly wizard looked at them in absolute awe. His long beard wet with his salty tears. Never in his life had he felt the endless depths of pure love... until now. Reaching into his robes, he pulled out a golden binding cord. As old as magic itself, the cord had been wrapped around a million wrists.

Now it was a million and one.

Gently he gathered Minerva and Hermione's hands together. Wrapping the golden cord around them. Whispering ancient words. Gathering the swirling magic that constantly whirled around the two witches into a single cohesive thread of pure power.

Awesome power.

Ancient power.

The power of love and renewal wrapped itself not only around their wrists, but around their hearts as well. Their minds joined, their souls blended and their hearts beat as one. Both women glowed a light so bright that the guests has to shield their eyes.

'What lovely poetry this is.'

A single thought emerged. Neither was sure which mind uttered it, neither cared. They were one.

Taking a step back, Dumbledore looked at Hooch, "Now for the rings?"

There was silence as Minerva's best friend simply stood before the loving couple with her mouth hanging open. Dawn shot Hooch an intense stare. Mocha pierced yellow for a moment, "Come on woman!" The youngest Granger whispered.

Still silence.

Finally Angus poked Rolanda in the ribs, "Yer up ya know."

This brought Hooch around, "Whut?"

Albus cast tolerant eyes upon the flying instructor, "The rings my dear."

"Oh..." Frantically Hooch fished inside the pockets of her robes. And fished... and fished.

Minerva and Hermione pulled out of the intimate link they were sharing and gazed at Hooch. Hermione, with a look of bemusement. Minerva, with a look of an approaching storm. The older witch's emerald eyes narrowed as she asked, "You DO have the rings I gave you?"

Helpless frustration crossed the yellow eyes as she began to turn her pockets out. "They were here! I know they were!"

Izer timidly padded up to his Mistress, "Theys was there. But nows theys not." Before a storm erupted, he pointed at the end of the aisle.

The Grand Sire stood stock still. Majestic in the morning light. His silver mane and tail flowing. Deep ebony eyes gazed calmly at the assembled group. He heard the gasps of some. Exclaimations from others. He cared for none of it.

His depthless eyes were fastened on the Mistress and The Witch of the Light. Both females looking resplendent in their formal garb. He could see the even flowing golden aura that surrounded them. Much different from the erratic, disjointed colors that crashed like the ocean. This was union in it's truest form.

The great stallion stepped through the shimmer. He was followed by Donatu and Alora. His colt and his colt's mate. Behind them, a tiny unicorn timidly stepped through as well.

Lourdane.

The Scotch Gaelic word for ruffian that Hermione had given to the little life that had caused such a stir at his birthing.***

Hermione's eyes widened in delighted surprise and Minerva was stunned. Especially when the little one cautiously stepped past The Grand Sire and moved up the aisle towards them.

The young unicorn bore the marks of his unusual birth. A black handprint on his otherwise snow white rump and black smudges on his hind legs. The place where Minerva had grasped him during his difficult delivery. His small black eyes were fixed on the witches he was approaching. He too could hear exclaimations of surprise.

Stopping in front of the witches, he nickered softly and sent...

'I would not be here if not for you. My family wishes to offer thanks as do I.' It was the voice of a child that rang out through the minds of the invited guests and melted the hearts of the two women standing before him.

The little one bent his foreleg and bowed before the witches. As did Odaan, Donatu and Alora.

The meadow fell into an awestruck silence. Not even a bird chirped. Even Shastia and Shivon paused in their song.

Rising, the unicorns again stood stock still except for Lourdane. The young one stepped to Minerva and nudged her with his small silver horn. There was a glint of gold at the very tip of his horn.

The wedding rings.

With shaking hands, the Headmistress gently removed the golden bands; handing the larger one to Hermione. The latter's face split in a joyous grin.

"Thank you." Minerva said quietly to the little unicorn. A huge smile decorated her lovely face as well.

Albus Dumbledore was amazed. This was one event that no one would ever forget. As Minerva and Hermione turned to look at him, he smiled and said, "Repeat after me... In token and in pledge of my constant faith and abiding love, with this ring I thee wed."

Minerva and Hermione repeated the words as they placed the simple golden bands on the other's finger. Eyes fastened upon each other. Shutting out the world.

Silently, Minerva sent her thoughts to her love through their, now solid and unbreakable bond. 'I pledge to you my living and my dying. Each equally in your care. I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine.'

Tears again streaming, Hermione sent back to Minerva, 'I pledge to you that your's shall be the name I cry aloud in the night and the eyes into which I smile each morning.'

Knowing that silent communication was happening, Dumbledore gently unwrapped the golden cord saying, "By the powers vested in me as the Supreme Mugwump of the High Council of the Wizengamot, I pronounce thee bonded." He grinned and with a twinkle added, "You may now kiss the bride."

Hermione's arms wrapped around Minerva's neck as the older woman's wrapped around the younger's waist. Pulling each other close, lips met in a soft, gentle kiss. It lasted about two seconds before Hermione's mouth opened and invited Minerva in. A very passionate display ensued causing the wedding guests to blush.

Poppy Pomfrey fanned herself, "Oh gracious!"

Pomona Sprout grinned and blushed as Filius Flitwick took her hand and kissed her trembling palm.

Hagrid pulled out his great polka dot handkerchief and blubbered loudly.

Jean Granger wiped her tears wistfully, gazing up at the dais only to find intense yellow eyes gazing back at her.

Molly sobbed unabashedly into Arthur's embrace as John Granger rolled his eyes.

Harry Potter decided then and there that he was going to ask Ginny to marry him.

When the newlyweds finally seperated, Dumbledore exclaimed, "Ladies and gentleman. I give you Minerva and Hermione McGonagall!"

Clapping, cheering, chirping, squeaking, neighing and joyful singing engulfed the enchanted meadow of McGonagall Manor.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

-to be continued

*see Butterfly Rainbow's story "A Cat, Her Kitten & A Toad

** A thousand welcomes to you with yor marriage kerchief, may you be healthy all your days. May you be blessed with long life and peace. May you grow old with goodness and with riches. -Rev. Donald MacLeod. Circa 1760.

*** see the final chapters of "The Boat House" for an explaination.

AN: Thanks to my sweet Oompa Loompa for finding that phrase for me.