Harry Potter: Love's Second Chance

Hermione pulled up short. "I'd forgotten about those Slytherin idiots." She considered it for a few moments. "I think it's fine if you can control your temper. Don't antagonize Umbridge, not yet anyway, and just ignore Malfoy."

"I'll try," Harry replied as they continued on their trek. Eventually, they were in front of the Transfiguration Professor's office. They rapped a couple of time on the door.

"Enter," Came the Scottish burr of Hermione's favorite professor.

Harry looked at Hermione. "Ready?"

"No," Hermione admitted. "But we have to do it."

Professor McGonagall glanced up from the paperwork in front of her when they entered, "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, what brings you out before breakfast on a Sunday morning, especially after the celebration last night? Do you need help with your homework?"

"No Professor," Hermione started. "We have an issue, we think."

McGonagall's eyes flickered between the two of them. "What kind of issue, may I ask?"

"Before we say, we'd like to know what kind of confidentiality exists between a student and their head of house?" Hermione asked.

"Unless our High Inquisitor has posted further Educational Decrees," The Scottish Professor snorted, "You have full confidentiality unless it conflicts with a school policy."

"So if we tell you something, you won't tell Professor Umbridge or Professor Dumbledore when he returns? Nor anyone else, as long as it isn't against school policies?"

"That's correct."

"Okay, then what's the school's policy on marriage between students."

That statement caused a sharp focus of Minerva McGonagall's eyes upon the pair of student in front of her. "It is discouraged, of course. It can be highly disruptive to the house system, but it is allowed. If requested, the students may request married quarters, but aren't you two a little young to be considering such a thing…unless?" A hint of sadness passed over the normally stern face of McGonagall at the thought that her prized pupil might have acted carelessly.

Hermione blushed when she realized what the professor was asking. "No, professor, it's not that. But before we do say what it is, I want to clarify, the actual policies of the school concerning marriage itself is acceptable?"

"Yes, Miss Granger, but you now have me curious to why you're asking."

"Ma'am, I think we are married," Hermione replied looking at her husband.

"You think you are?" Professor McGonagall asked. "How can you be uncertain? Did something happen at the party last night? Did someone sneak in Fire Whiskey?"

"No, not at the party," Hermione started and then chose her words carefully so she would be telling McGonagall the truth as she continued, "When Harry and I were alone yesterday, we shared a kiss, and we later found out the kiss caused some kind of golden glow around us. I've heard about bonds…Well, Miranda told us about this one, so I did hear about it…and how they can be considered Marriage Bonds. I think the glow might have been a bond forming between us."

"First, though normally I try to avoid making opinions of such, I would like to say I'm glad you two are finally together. I always thought you would be a fine couple," McGonagall said. "As for the bond, I find it very unlikely it really happened. Maybe one or both of you had a bought of accidental magic when you kissed. Spontaneous bondings are extremely rare."

"Think I just create them for anybody? Of course they're rare," Miranda chimed in causing Harry and Hermione to smile.

Minerva mistook the smiles for relief. "I'm sure they're glad they aren't married."

"Thank you, professor," Hermione said. "Can you think of any way to know for certain?"

"Of course, all marriages are recorded at the Ministry," Professor McGonagall said. "But from your earlier question about confidentiality, I presume you do not want anyone to find out if you are?"

"No, Professor."

"Considering the persecution Mr. Potter is undergoing, I can understand why," McGonagall paused. "Unfortunately, with all of our communications currently being monitored by the honorable Umbridge, you'd be unable to make such a query without her knowing about it."

Harry and Hermione paled at the thought of Umbridge knowing about their marriage.

Professor McGonagall looked at her two Gryffindors. "What exactly were you wanting or hoping I could do if you were married?" She asked. "I would need the Headmaster's approval to assign married quarters, and since the school itself is not considering Umbridge to be Headmistress, that permission would have to come from Dumbledore himself."

"No, actually just the opposite, Professor," Hermione said. "We don't want anyone to know we are married, if in fact we are. We were hoping that if my name came up as Hermione Potter in anything, you could at least let us know or change it if you can."

"Well, in that case, that's not a problem," The Deputy Headmistress replied. "I'm sure there was another explanation for the glow anyway, but if I do see anything that suggests otherwise, I'll do my best to help you and let you know."

"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said.

"Now, is there anything else?"

"Uh...Professor," Harry started. "Do I have to take the Divination's OWL? I have no chance of passing that test, and I really want to be able to concentrate my studying on the subjects I can and will pass."

Professor McGonagall studied the young man in front of him for several seconds before answering. "That is an extremely unusual request Mr. Potter. Is there something else involved here?"

"Not really, Ma'am. But you know that my girlfriend would take it very personal if I failed an OWL exam," Harry smiled at Hermione before looking back at Professor McGonagall. "Could you imagine her shame if her boyfriend, or potential husband, were to fail one? For her sake, please tell me I don't have to take it," This caused his wife to smack him on the arm.

"Prat."

McGonagall almost cracked a smile at the two of them. "You may drop one of your OWLs Mr. Potter. I will put through the request."

"And one other thing, something for next year."

"Yes, Mr. Potter?"

"Is there a way for me to take Ancient Runes next year?" Harry asked, looking more at Hermione who now had a large smile on her face.

McGonagall looked up at her student. "Only a day and she's already had this much influence. I can't wait to see what a year brings," She thought, and then out loud. "You would be in a third year class, Mr. Potter, and I couldn't guarantee it would Gryffindors, but if you're serious about it, we can get you in a class."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Is there anything else I can do for you? No? Then once again, I will extend my congratulations on you two getting together. I think you two will complement each other perfectly, especially if Miss Granger can help you with that temper of yours, Mr. Potter, when it comes to certain High Inquisitors. But I must request you adhere to the school behavioral rules concerning such matters, especially with you being a prefect, Miss Granger."

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