So, I know I should be working on my other fics… But this one popped into my head and I couldn't help myself. It's complete in writing and as soon as I type each chapter I'll post it.
Also, I don't have a beta, so all mistakes are mine.
And I don't own anything from the HP universe.
Anyway, please enjoy!
Books and Cleverness
Hermione smiled up at the new sign hanging above the old shop. She had been ecstatic when the former proprietor had offered the space to her. She never knew she had meant that much to the older gentleman, but she had to admit she saw a lot more of the twinkle in his eyes as the years had gone by.
Mr. Dumbledore had told her once that he didn't have much family, his parents having passed on years before in a car crash that also took his sister. His brother had left soon after. They hadn't kept in touch, but Mr. Dumbledore had always made sure to keep his name out there in case his brother ever tried to contact him.
Hermione pushed those thoughts aside so she could focus on happier times, as in, the grand opening of her very own bookstore/coffee shop. Grinning widely, the young brunette cut the small red ribbon she had taped across the door. Suddenly there was applause! Startled, she turned, shocked, to see a tall dark-haired woman standing nearby with a light smile on her thin lips.
Embarrassed, Hermione flushed and quickly pulled down the two pieces of ribbon. "I, er, didn't realize I wasn't alone." She quickly opened the door, making to step inside.
The older woman's smile grew just a tad. "Well," her voice was soft with a Scottish lilt. "Are you open for business or not?"
Hermione's blush deepened. "Oh! Of course!" She stepped back and put her arm out in invitation. "Do please come in."
The dark-haired woman inclined her head and breezed past Hermione. As soon as she crossed the threshold she was assaulted by the strong smell of coffee and the subtler scent of books. She stood a moment just inside the doorway and took in her surroundings.
To the left there was a medium-sized counter where a register stood, awaiting customers. Displayed in front of that was your usual selection of candies and crisps, perfect for impulse purchases, along with bookmarks, pens, and highlighters. Her gaze drifted across the store and she took in the tidy shelves leading to the back of the store, the ones on the walls stretching up to the ceiling. There was a staircase in the very back with a chain across it, holding a sign, but she couldn't tell what it said from this distance. She finished her sweep with the small kitchen area to the right. Here there was an espresso brewer and coffee maker along with everything needed to make tea. A small case held a few different pastries, such as scones and croissants, that looked delicious.
Hermione stood watching this woman as she seemed to take stock in her surroundings. She thought the woman looked at the very least intrigued, so when emerald eyes completed their sweep and landed on her, she smiled. "Would you like a cuppa? First one's on the house, Mrs…?"
"Minerva. Just Minerva will be just fine." Minerva moved towards the coffee bar. "And a cup of tea would be wonderful, although I must insist you allow me to purchase it, Mrs…?"
"Nonsense! I insist, as you're the first customer I have. Think of it as a grand opening doorbuster." She grinned. "And it's Hermione, please." She swept past the older woman and put the kettle on. She looked sheepishly at Minerva. "Would it be quite alright if I joined you? I didn't have much time this morning to sit and enjoy."
Minerva nodded and motioned to the empty chair in front of her.
Hermione smiled widely and sat, then immediately stood up so fast Minerva thought she must have sat on a straight pin. "I almost forgot!" She rummaged through a cupboard until she found two small plates. On each plate she placed a blueberry scone and a chocolate croissant. She frowned critically before adding a small cookie. Seemingly satisfied, Hermione returned to the table, setting a plate down in front of each of them. "I hope you don't mind, I brought an assortment."
Minerva smiled reassuringly to the young woman in front of her. "This all looks very good, but I'm not sure I can eat it all."
Hermione waved her hand dismissively. "Eat what you like and you can take the rest with you. Then when you eat it later you'll remember how good everything was and you'll come back." She winked. "I've been told I'm quite the baker."
Minerva's eyes widened slightly. "You made all of this?" She not only gestured to the plate, but also to the case containing the other sweet.
"Oh, well, yes." Another blush crept onto Hermione's face. "It's something that's been passed down in my family. I don't have anyone to cook for, however, so I thought I would subject the general public to it." She motioned to the plate. "Please, help yourself. Also on the house." She stood at that and went to pull the teacups and saucers from another cupboard. She finished making up the tea tray and returned to the table to find Minerva still staring at her plate. "I promise nothing is almond flavored."
Minerva started and then laughed. "Oh, my. Well, now I'm not in the least bit suspicious!" She poured herself some tea, adding in a small amount of cream. "I was trying to decide which to try first."
Hermione contemplated her own plate for a moment before picking up the small ginger cookie. "This was always my mom's favorite. Dad hated them, but I think that's why Mom and I liked them so much."
Minerva noted the sadness coloring the younger woman's statement but didn't comment. Instead, she also picked up her ginger snap and took a bite. She couldn't help the small moan that escaped her lips as she enjoyed the light crunch of the cookie paired with the sharp taste of ginger. She opened her eyes - When had they closed?- to see chocolate brown eyes watching her expectantly.
"Well?"
The uncertainty in Hermione's voice surprised Minerva. "This is probably, no, definitely, the most sinfully delicious thing I have ever put in my mouth." The smile that spread across the other woman's face caused her heart to beat a little faster and she decided then and there that this particular bookstore is where she wanted to spend all of her free time, just to see the younger woman smile like that. The revelation surprised her. Sure, she had been with other women before, but there was something about this woman that seemed to draw Minerva in.
"Come now, you're joking." Another wink. "Surely there have been other sinfully delicious things you've eaten."
Minerva felt the blush on her face rising now. "Well, yes, maybe."
Hermione laughed lightly, then took a small bite of the cookie still between her fingers. She imitated the moan Minerva had let slip, not knowing what the sound would do to the other woman. "Now, tell me Minerva, what brought you past my little shop today?"
Minerva cleared her throat, forcing herself to focus on the question. "I am new to the area and was taking a couple of days to get acquainted with my surroundings."
"What brings you to London?"
"I've just accepted a teaching post at Queen Mary for English. I start next week. I already have most of my lesson plans drawn up, so I thought I would take some time to familiarize myself with where I will be residing."
"Oh, are you staying nearby?" Hermione tried not to sound as excited as she was. If Minerva lived close, she would probably see more of her, a most welcome thought.
Minerva nodded. "Yes. The school is just the next block over and they have reasonably priced flats on this street for teachers and their families."
"I see." Hermione wilted slightly. She hadn't thought about the possibility of this woman having a family with her.
Minerva was confused by Hermione's sudden disinterest all of a sudden. "anyway, I was very happy to come across your store as I was afraid I wouldn't find a decent bookstore, much less one with so many books and delicious pastries." She lightly teased the younger woman, but the smile she received didn't quite reach those dark brown eyes.
"I'm very glad to be so accommodating." Hermione stood then and began cleaning up after their tea. She found a small container that would easily fit both of Minerva's uneaten pastries. She put her own leftovers in another container to munch on later. After she handed Minerva her pastries, she turned back to the sink to wash up the few dishes they had dirtied. "I'm sorry, but I'd like to start out by keeping up with everything. Feel free to look around. I'll be right here."
Minerva sat stunned at the table, mind racing back through their conversation to see what had been said to change the demeanor of the other woman so drastically. Unable to figure it out, she picked up her pastries and left the store, confused.
Hermione's shoulders slumped when she heard the bell announcing Minerva's departure. Stupid! You scared off your very first customer because you can't keep your emotions in check. So what if she's married with a family? That doesn't mean you can't be friends! Hermione scoffed. Friends. She had known the woman for less than an hour. Of course they weren't friends. She finished washing the small stack of dishes, then dried them and put them away. That done, she went to the front door and flipped the sign, officially declaring the shop open.
Minerva woke early the next morning. Her encounter with Hermione the day before still bothered her. It shouldn't but here she was, confused as to what had happened. She had thought they had been getting along famously, but something had changed that.
Well, Minerva was nothing if not determined, and she was not determined to solve this puzzle. It would likely torment her for ages until she cleared things up with the younger woman. She remembered vividly the bright smile on those full lips and how she needed nothing more than to see it again.
Making up her mind, she got out of bed and padded to the washroom for her morning ritual. She emerged relieved and refreshed thirty minutes later. She toweled her hair dry the best she could before twisting it into one long braid that would hang down her back. It took her awhile to find something to wear as most of her clothes were for her job and she didn't want to come off as severe today. She opted for tight jeans, of the same cut she had worn the day before, and a dark red button-down shirt with long sleeves that she rolled up to her elbows. To complete the outfit, Minerva donned black boots with a low heel that were calf high.
She looked in the mirror and frowned. Although she kept in shape by going to the gym and occasionally going for a run there was nothing she could do about the lines that had started to appear around her eyes and mouth. At least she was grateful that her hair had not started to lighten. Her mother had been at least sixty before her first grey had appeared, her father had yet to get any at sixty-five. Taking one last look, she deemed herself acceptable and left her flat, pausing only to grab her keys, wallet, and phone.
Ten minutes later, a very annoyed Minerva McGonagall stood outside of a bookstore by the name of Books and Cleverness. It was closed. At least that's what side the two-sided sign was showing. There were no hours listed on the window as there were on most storefronts and now Minerva had no idea what to do, as setting things right with Hermione had been her sole purpose of leaving the flat today. She frowned. It was a Sunday, the perfect day for this type of store to open early.
With a growl aimed at the perfectly innocent door, Minerva figured she would go somewhere for breakfast, get some groceries for her empty fridge, the try again later at the bookstore. Very uncharacteristically, Minerva stomped off toward the same café she had eaten lunch at the day before.
Hermione groaned as she rolled over in bed. She glanced at the clock an was startled to see that was after ten. Thankfully, she hadn't yet gotten around to putting the hour clings on her front door yet, or she'd be at least half an hour late for opening. Thank goodness for small mercies. Now awake, Hermione decided she may as well enjoy the morning before opening up later, insisting to herself she would put the hours up today.
With a sigh, she left the comfort of her bed and stumbled into the bathroom to pee and shower. Her head pounded viciously, and she was thankful for the scalding hot water that soaked into her chestnut curls. Leaning her head back, Hermione scrubbed shampoo in, moaning as the tension started to ease in her head and neck.
Once she finished her shower, she dried her hair the best she could before piling into a somewhat messy bun, wishing not for the first time she could just snap her fingers and it would sort itself out. She rolled her eyes at her inner Matilda and continued to get ready. A brief search of her closet uncovered a loose green dress that reached mid-thigh and had a black belt cinching the wit. She paired this with black tights and a pair of black flats before she left, making sure to pick up her purse.
She locked the door behind her and came out onto the upper floor of her store, surrounded by the "Restricted Section" of books, at least that's what the sign downstairs reads. A sense of pride threatened to overwhelm the young woman as she bounded down the stairs and then left the store. There were days when she still couldn't believe that the kindness she had shown the old man who owned the bookstore on the corner could have eventually led to her owning said store.
Their friendship should have been unlikely, a young woman attending university who needed a quiet place to study and an old man who had more eccentricities than anyone could count. When the old man dropped hints that he may be looking for some part-time help on the weekends, the young woman laughed and said not to bother posting an ad, that of course she would help.
Eventually, the young woman became more and more involved, until the day after she had graduated. She had come in for her usual shift and was surprised to see a sign reading "Under New Management." Her stomach had dropped, immediately she had assumed something had happened to her friend. Upon entering the store, however, she had been overwhelmingly surprised to see Albus sitting at a table along with two official looking people. Albus had a rather smug look on his face and was holding up a sign: "Congratulations, Hermione Granger!"
A broad smile transformed Hermione's face as she recalled that day. Albus had never given her any indication that was planning on signing over the shop to her. That day, he had taken her on a tour of the building and had surprised her further by revealing the attic she had not known existed. It was fully furnished as a small apartment. Hermione had engulfed the older man in a hug that left him breathless and blushing, promising all the while that would take the very best care of his legacy.
She hadn't changed much the next few weeks. With the money she had been saving back for a place to stay, she had transformed the second story into an adult bookstore, allowing customers some privacy by including a self-checkout machine. She left the attic as it was, thrilled with the prospect of living above her very own business. She had even kept the name of the store the same but did update the sign hanging above the door.
Hermione looked up at that very sign and sighed with happiness before turning on her heel and heading down the street to get something to eat. It had been awhile since she'd taken the time to stock her fridge cook something for herself. She decided to take advantage of the day off and indulge.
The little corner market opened at eight on Sundays, so Hermione thought she'd shop small and support the family that ran it. It didn't take her long to walk the distance as the only businesses between them were a café and a small crafting boutique store. Upon entering, Hermione picked up a trolley and started in the produce section, methodically working her way through the store.
A flash of emerald caught Minerva's eye as she was testing some tomatoes. She looked up fully and took in the dark green dress that hugged exactly the right places on the curvaceous woman who seemed to be contemplating what type of lettuce to purchase. Her thumb nearly punctured the ripe fruit when the woman she was ogling turned enough that she could tell it was Hermione.
Minerva dropped the tomato and strode to where the other woman was placing a bag of romaine in the top portion of her trolley. "Hermione."
The younger brunette looked up, startled. "Oh, hello Minerva." A light blush colored her cheeks as she took in the striking figure in front of her. "I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."
Minerva smiled. "I'm sure you didn't. You appeared to be having quite the internal debate there, but I see the darker greens prevailed."
A small smile graced Hermione's lips in turn. "Yes, well, it shouldn't have been much of a debate. There's not much worse than biting into the core of iceberg that's been put into the bag." She made a face and Minerva laughed.
"Too true." A small silence settled over them, but before it could get awkward, Minerva continued. "Is the shop always closed on Saturdays?"
The question seemed to take Hermione by surprise. "Oh! Er, no. We usually keep it open, but I haven't had a chance to update the house on the storefront. I slept in this morning and decided to take advantage of the day off."
It was Minerva's turn to look surprised and she fought to keep the disappointment from her voice. "We/"
"Well, I guess it's just me now, but yes, I am usually open on Sundays. Starting after lunch today." She winked slyly.
The vague answer didn't do much to calm Minerva's nerves, but she decided to drop the subject. "So all you're doing with your 'day off' is having lunch and then going to work anyway?"
This elicited a laugh from Hermione. "What can I say? I enjoy what I do?"
"Then I shan't keep you from it any longer." Minerva smiled and turned back to her own trolley. A hand on her arm caused her to return her attention to the younger woman who had an expression on her face that Minerva couldn't quite place. She quirked her eyebrow in question.
Hermione bit her lip. "Are you busy today? Or do you have plans with your family?"
"Not that I'm aware of, unless my brothers have surprised me with a visit from Scotland. I'm in England on my own."
Some of the tension eased from Hermione's stance. "Brilliant! I mean, not that you're alone of course, but that you don't have plans today."
"And why is that a good thing?"
Hermione faltered at the question. "I was, well, kind of hoping you might be free to join me for lunch or something."
"Or something?" Minerva winked, causing Hermione to blush furiously. "Lunch sounds wonderful. What did you have in mind?"
Hermione recovered enough to respond. "How about a surprise? We both finish our shopping, separately, then you come by the shop at two. Is that acceptable?"
Minerva nodded. "Indeed." With that she turned on her heel and did her very best to ignore the brunette who she already couldn't wait to spend more time with.
Hermione was a nervous wreck. Ugh. What was I thinking?! Inviting her to lunch. In my home no less! She couldn't do anything it now, however, so she got to work, putting away all of the groceries before preparing lunch.
Having decided that fish would be the best bet, she unwrapped the salmon filets and set them in the baking dish, pouring a mixture of lemon and pepper to season. A glance at the time calmed her somewhat as she still had an hour to go. Setting the fish aside, she opened the lump crabmeat and prepared it for the oven as well. Once that was done, Hermione combined the fish and crab, then put both in the oven.
The salad didn't take long to mix together, so she decided to try her hand at preparing her own salad dressing. Another few minutes of activity, then once again Hermione looked at the clock. Twenty minutes to two. Perfect timing. She spent the next five minutes setting the table with two places, adding two glasses of water and two of white wine. The last touch was whipping together some raspberry cream for dessert. She had just finishing pulling the fish from the oven when she heard a soft knock.
"Shit." Hermione took the stairs quickly and was surprised she didn't fall and break her neck. She reached the front door and unlocked it as fast as her trembling fingers would allow. Throwing open the door, she grinned at a startled Minerva. "Sorry! I lost track of time. Meant to come unlock the door earlier so you could let yourself in."
"It's no problem at all. It is, after all, only just now two." Minerva's eyes strayed from Hermione's flushed face and bright eyes to her rapidly rising and falling chest.
"Well, are you just going to stand there or are you going to come inside and eat what I've prepared for you?"
Minerva's eyes immediately flicked back up to Hermione's face where a mischievous grin was residing. "I think eating would be preferable. I'm sure whatever you've made is delicious." She practically purred the last word as she brushed past Hermione to enter the store. "I love the apron, by the way. Very domestic."
Once again, a blush spread across Hermione's face. She quickly locked the door and then yanked her apron off, muttering under her breath. Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she schooled her features before turning to face Minerva. "It's upstairs." She then turned and marched up the stairs, much to Minerva's amusement.
"Oh, my." Minerva looked interestedly around the "Restricted Section." She wandered down an aisle and laughed. "What on earth is this?"
Hermione rushed over and snatched the DVD out of long, elegant fingers, another blush threatening to appear. "Nothing." She replaced the video on the shelf and then ushered Minerva on towards the door in the back corner. "Just merchandise."
Minerva allowed herself to be almost pushed across the floor, then waited patiently for Hermione to lead her up the stairs. She stopped when she reached the top and a small gasp left her lips. To her left she saw two door that were closed, the next wall was completely made of glass, the windows offering a beautiful view of London. There was a medium size table near the kitchen, which took up the right side. Her gaze returned to the windows and she moved that way, stopping next a worn looking loveseat, letting her hand fall to rest on the back.
Hermione shifted her weight, uncomfortable. "I know it's not much, but it's mine."
Minerva turned, and emerald eyes met chocolate. "I think it's perfect. Very peaceful."
Hermione smiled. "I'm glad you like it! I've only lived here for a few weeks. Ever since Albus left."
Minerva's curiosity got the better of her this time and she couldn't stop her next question. "Albus? Your partner?"
Hermione laughed. "Certainly not! Albus owned this store for years. I started working here and when I graduated he gave this whole building to me. It was quite the surprise." She made her way to the kitchen as she continued. "He was more like a grandfather to me than anything else, but certainly a very dear friend." She paused as she doled the salad out into two bowls. "He left me the building and moved to America, something about wanting to spend the rest of his days frequenting nude beaches where the weather was warm enough to enjoy such a thing." She rolled her eyes. "I'm just thankful I haven't received any post cards!"
Minerva didn't know the man, but Hermione's mirth elicited a laugh from her own lips. She reluctantly moved from the windows towards the kitchen. "I think it's amazing that you have your own place like this, especially if you include the store below. You must have left quite the impression on this Albus fellow." She picked up the bowls of salad and moved them to the table while Hermione began preparing the next plate. "Do you have anyone helping you the way you helped him? Or anyone that lives up here and helps?"
Hermione laughed as she brought the salad dressing to the table and motioned for Minerva to have a seat. "I don't think I've ever heard someone try so hard to find out if someone is single, unless you count my own questions." She winked as Minerva flushed. "I do hope your interest in my business is not merely you being polite. I am not currently involved with anyone of either gender. Are you?"
Minerva's heart skipped a beat as it was revealed that not only was Hermione single, but that she was that way inclined. The bluntness of the younger woman was refreshing. "No, I am quite single."
The corner of Hermione's mouth twitched. "Are you going to make me ask, Minerva?" She picked up her wine glass and took a small sip, allowing a small moan to escape her lips as she maintained eye contact.
Minerva swallowed hard. "Ask what?" She was mildly embarrassed at the weakness in her voice. With slightly trembling hands, she reached for her glass of water and quickly took a couple big gulps. Once again, she attempted speech, thankful that her voice regained its usual composure. "What is it that you wish to know?"
There was a twinkle in Hermione's eye. "Do you enjoy the company of women, Minerva?"
Minerva cleared her throat, unsure why she was being so affected. "Yes."
Hermione smiled. "That's good to hear. I'd hate to think this was all a wasted effort." She waved a hand towards the food and the rest of the attic. "I do want to apologize."
"For what?"
"For the way I behaved yesterday. I didn't mean to just brush you off like that, but I've never been very good at asking the right questions. You said something about living where teachers can stay with their families and I just assumed." She looked quite suddenly abashed. "And really, it shouldn't have mattered. I guess I was just excited about the idea that a beautiful woman might want to be around more." At the last, Hermione's gaze fell to the table and she picked up a fork, intending to start on her salad. Her movements were halted by a soft hand covering her own. She looked up to see a soft smile gracing thin pink lips.
"While I admit I was a little taken aback at the sudden change in demeanor, I appreciate you explaining it to me now." She lightly squeezed, then returned to her own side of the table. "Now, I believe I was promised something delicious to eat."
The rest of the meal passed in easy conversation, both women keeping the conversation light and centered on your typical first date topics. Minerva commented often on Hermione's skill in the kitchen, causing frequent blushing for the younger woman.
Multiple glasses of wine later resulted in both women giggling over a particularly amusing anecdote that Hermione had shared.
"No, he didn't!" Minerva clasped her hand over her mouth to try and block the very unlady like snort that was threatening to erupt.
"I can assure you that he did. It was the last time my parents invited him 'round for Christmas." Hermione's eyes danced with laughter. "Although my mother did insist on finding out where Albus had found the young man."
Minerva quirked her eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Oh, indeed. Apparently is had never crossed her mind in her years of playing matchmaker that she could pay a man to take me on a date." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Let's just say that New Years was incredibly awkward."
Minerva couldn't stop the snort this time. "Oh, dear. I really shouldn't laugh at your misfortune, but surely by now you see the humor."
"Hmph. I suppose." Hermione grinned. "Ronald is now a very good friend of mine and we have the best times together picking out who the other is going to shag next." She squinted accusingly. "You didn't happen to find my shop by way of a tall, good-looking redhead, did you?"
"Now that you mention it, yes, I believe there was a gentleman matching description. He said something along the lines of there being a bookish type in need a good shag that lives in that bookstore over there." Minerva winked. "Don't tell me I've gotten the wrong bookstore."
Without thinking, Hermione closed the distance between them and pressed her lips to Minerva's. The kiss lasted barely two seconds before Hermione pulled back abruptly, blushing harder than she had yet that evening. "I'm sorry." She made to stand up but was stopped by a hand on her arm. She looked back to see dark green eyes staring at her.
"I can assure you, lass, there's nothing to be sorry for." Minerva reached out a hand to cup Hermione's cheek. "So how about we try that again?"
Hermione smiled widely. "I would like that very much."
Their lips met once again, and Minerva slid her hand from where it rested on Hermione's cheek to tangle in the riotous curls further back. The brunette let out a small moan and moved her own hand to settle on Minerva's waist.
Before the kiss could get too heated, both women pulled back and smiled at each other, only slightly breathless.
"Well, I suppose that solves that." Minerva tucked a strand of hair behind Hermione's ear.
"Solves what?"
"The question of whether I needed to search for a new bookstore." Minerva grinned as she stood. "Now I should really get going."
Hermione pouted slightly. "If you must."
Minerva laughed lightly. "Yes, I must. School will be starting next week and there I things I still need to do." She started for the door, then looked back at Hermione who was still sitting on the couch. "Would you like to have dinner with me? Friday night?" She looked unsure for a moment before pressing on. "My treat, but I'm afraid you'll need to recommend a good place."
Hermione's countenance transformed as she hopped off the couch. "I know the perfect place. I'll take care of the reservations. You can pick me up at seven." She extended her arm. "May I escort the lady to the door?"
Minerva's rich laugh surrounded Hermione as she slipped her arm through the younger woman's. "That would be most pleasurable," she paused in her speech as they descended the stairs. "Hermione?" The younger woman looked up from the ground. "Would it be alright if I came by before then? I would very much like to check out your wares."
Hermione winked. "Call it what you like, Minerva, but yes, you're welcome to come anytime."
They reached the front door of the shop and Hermione unlocked it so she could hold it open.
Minerva stepped through the doorway, but before she left she looked back. "Don't forget to put up those hours, otherwise I won't know when to come back."
"Don't you worry about that. The hours will be up tonight, but please don't think that those are the only hours you could come by."
"I was hoping you would say that." Minerva hesitated for only a moment before leaning in and placing a quick kiss to Hermione's lips. "Good night, Hermione."
"Good night, Minerva." Hermione smiled as she watched the older woman walk away, then she headed back upstairs to clean up and grab the storefront vinyls.
