Marriage Law Madness

Author\'s Note - I made Gabrielle a few years older than canon to fit the story.

“Lucius, this is a surprise.” Severus wondered how on earth he had gotten here.

“It seems the Muggle for whose murder I was sent to Azkaban has appeared alive somewhere in Jamaica with a new name – and a new spouse.” Of course, once they had the one conviction, they hadn’t bothered to try him for the others as trials were expensive and one life sentence was enough. Or so they thought.

“Congratulations, Lucius. Albus has just informed me that you and I are going to be grandfathers in roughly nine months. They’re getting married next week.”

“Just enough time to get to Malkin’s and get myself something decent to wear. I was outside the door and heard the last. Better move those trunks if you think there may be another coming in, the flames are going green.”

Dumbledore quickly levitated the trunks out of the way, just as three trunks came spitting out of the fire followed by three more girls. One of them was Gabrielle Delacour, the other two Severus didn’t know. Gabrielle ran to him and buried her head against him, he being the only familiar face in the room due to her having stayed with Fleur at the Burrow the week before the wedding. One of the other girls, a green eyed brunette, followed her and stood as close as she dared.

“Hold on, I know you can only get four doses of potion out of how much Poppy gave her, yet there are five girls here.”

Gabrielle pulled her head out of Severus’ robe front long enough to answer. “She’s not sure which one she gave the full potion to and which one just didn’t get any because she diluted the potion she already had too much. We’re both pregnant with girls, so there’s no way to tell.”

Dumbledore opened the golden book, turning back several pages and then setting the quill down. He summoned three more nightshirts, and then said “Names, and years, please. Also your electives, I will try to accommodate you as best I can.”

Once by one, they gave their information.

The redhead named Fraise went first, “Fraise Fields, sixth year, N.E.W.T. Potions, Advanced Magical Home Arts and Ancient Runes, sir. “

She poked the younger girl next to her. “Florian Ratzenheimer, fourth year, Astronomy, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, sir.”

Gabrielle spoke next. “Gabrielle Delacour, fourth year, Astronomy, Ancient Runes and Home Arts, sir.”

Finally, the raven-haired young woman who had come through with Gabrielle and Florian introduced herself. “Minerva Catherine Donovan, sir. Seventh year, I was on a pre-magical university schedule. I had Potions, Charms, Transfigurations, Astronomy, Ancient Runes, Home arts, all at NEWT level. I was hoping to get in with a double major in Home Arts and Charms, so I was doing extra tutorials in both of those.”

‘She sounds like Granger,’ Severus noted to himself with amusement. Dumbledore, however, was fixated on a small spot on her neck. He touched the stone in his ring, and a minute later Minerva McGonagall appeared from inside the bedroom. Albus pointed at the spot, and Mineva walked to her and pulled her own neckline down, exposing a small celtic knot that appeared to have been burned into the skin of her breast that was identical to the one visible above the neck of the younger Minerva’ nightshirt.

“You have to be my grandmother. Mum told me about the mark.” Minerva nodded mutely.

“She’s named after you too, Min.” Albus said. “I’m one up on you, Severus. You were saying you were running a race with your firstborn and youngest as to who would become parents first. I have no blood children and won’t for at least nine and a half months. And here I am becoming a GREAT-grandparent. Now, Minerva can you find something for these young ladies to wear until we take them robe shopping, and then go make arrangements for a sorting ceremony tonight at dinner?”

She nodded and disappeared through the bedroom door, coming back with one of her robes for Tatiana, then going out to the student laundry; returning with four spare robes in plain black. She then took the sorting hat and took the parchment on which Dumbledore had written the names and class choices.

“And what do you teach, Mistress DeHarfleur? Hopefully it is something I have open. I need teachers in Astronomy & Arithmancy; and I currently have a seventh year teaching Ancient Runes.”

“I taught DADA, but I am qualified in Arithmancy. I also ran the ladies dueling club.”

“Great, you’re hired. Our DADA instructor will need a few days off a month. If I arrange for those to be days with no Arithmancy scheduled, can you fill in?” Albus looked delighted that he was able to fill the position.

“Of course.” \'A choice between being on the street and a job with room and board. I\'ll do anything he asks, within reason.\' she thought to herself.

“Headmaster, it seems I have all the free time in the world, and if you remember, I was rather good at Astronomy.”

“When you weren’t snogging Narcissa instead of paying attention.” Severus smirked.

“Well, thanks to that purple mark on your neck, I can tell you’ve been doing a lot of that lately.”

“I’m married.”

“I read about it in the Prophet, Shacklebolt’s good about letting me do the crossword. I also have been getting letters from Ginny after the betrothal. Although I’m sure Ginny didn’t tell her whom they were for, tell Molly I appreciated the cookies. By the way, I hear Molly has good aim with a cauldron.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“Behave, you two.” Minerva was back.

“I seem to have nothing to do this afternoon. Miss DeHarfleur, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to Diagon Alley to do some shopping? And I presume you need a new wand.”

“She couldn’t snap it since I’m an adult, but all four girls will. If you will take pity on a pregnant lady and lug my trunk to wherever it needs to go, I’ll go with you.”

“I’ll take care of the trunk after the sorting.” Albus said. “Go on.”

“Why do you need to sort her, she isn’t a student.” Severus was mystified.

“There’s a house head position open, I presume.” Lucius spoke authoritively. “If someone wasn’t in that house, they need the hat’s approval.”

“I’m hoping she’ll qualify for Ravenclaw.” Albus confirmed Lucius’ suspicions. “Lucius, would you mind taking the girls to Ollivander’s?”

“If Minerva will give me copies of the lists, I’ll outfit them with everything. I haven’t spent a thing in a year, and I already had more money than I know what to do with. The goblins at Gringotts probably think I’m dead.”

All five women followed Lucius through the Floo. “Albus, are you sure this is wise?” Severus spoke with worry in his voice. He might have to worry about being hit with more than a cauldron when he told Molly that she was pregnant and so was her daughter.

“ Ever hear the old adage, keep your friends close, but those you aren’t sure about trusting closer. Plus, Tia’ll keep him in line. Are there any bets on how fast Mistress DeHarfleur becomes Madam Malfoy?”

“Are you matchmaking again?” Minerva demanded.

“Yes. I know Tia very well, she actually reminds me a lot of Molly.”

“Merlin help Lucius, he doesn’t stand a chance.”

~~~

Dinnertime approached. The shoppers piled back thru the Floo, laden with robes, books, and other school supplies. “So what wands chose you?” Dumbledore asked.

“Ebony and Phoenix Feather,” said Florian.

“Willow and Unicorn Tail Hair,” chimed in Fraise.

“Beechwood and Dragon Heartstring.” Gabrielle said.

“Oak with Phoenix Feather.” Minerva said.

“Just like your grandma.”

“Really, sir?”

“I know I won’t be officially married to your grandmother until next week, but go ahead and call me Grandfather. But respectfully!” he teased her. “My wand also has a Phoenix feather core, but the wood is different.”

“How long have you known Grandma, si – Grandfather?” she caught herself just in time.

He looked over at the other girls and realized they were still wearing their new cloaks, which were wet with snow. “Off with those.” He settled them in front of the fire with cups of hot chocolate. Molly arrived, having been Flooed by Severus. She had already been to the infirmary, where her pregnancy had been confirmed and evaluated as healthy. Severus had brought her back to her godfather’s office, bringing Ginny and Hermione with them. Albus got them all settled, then began his tale.