Chapter 1
Dinner at the safe house had been a solemn affair. The Order had brought Harry here in the last moment to escape from the Dementors and for the last few days they had been holding council on how to proceed. Molly Weasley was pouring coffee for everyone and with Dumbledore gone since after breakfast Professor McGonagall was in charge for the time being. Alastor and Tonks had already returned to the Ministry which left only Remus, the Weasleys, Harry, Hermione and McGonagall sitting around the large kitchen table. Just as Molly was handing Minerva her cup the door to the kitchen opened revealing Hogwart's Headmaster and a tall dark figure looming behind him. By the satisfied look on his face nobody felt overly anxious but the moment the person behind him stepped into the light they heard the crash of breaking china on the tiled floor. All heads turned towards the source of the unexpected noise. Minerva McGonagall had risen to her feet; a broken cup lay next to her chair. She stood there with her left hand on her chest, eyes blazing with anger but there was something else in them although scarcely detectable.
"Albus? Albus, what have you done?" Minerva whispered fiercely. It sounded even louder than if she had shouted at Dumbledore.
"Lining up our allies, Minerva." Albus answered softly while descending the flight of stairs that led into the kitchen.
"You promised me! You agreed you would reconsider this. I trusted you to keep your promise."
"But I did. Minerva..."
"No!" McGonagall interrupted forcefully as she gathered her robes and walked around the table. "Take her back to where she came from! This instant!"
"I am sorry, Minerva." Albus shook his head at his old friend. He had been afraid she would bolt from the room but was relieved when she remained. Her eyes avoiding at all cost the stranger behind him. "Well, let me introduce our guest. Everybody meet Siobhan Donaghue."
Remus jumped to his feet and respectfully greeted the woman who had stepped from behind Dumbledore. "Welcome Daywalker. I am Remus Lupin."
"Daywalker?" Hermione chimed in, eager to meet one of the most famous persons in the wizarding world. "I always thought you were some kind of myth. Oh, I am Hermione Granger by the way and these are my friends Harry and Ron."
The woman called Daywalker or Siobhan smiled at the excited teenager and shook her hand as well as those of her friends. Harry was glad that she treated him like everybody else in the room. Professor McGonagall's reaction though let Harry wonder what was going on. She had retreated to the other side of the room, with her back to them and breathing heavily to stay calm. Something was wrong and he wondered what it was, when it suddenly hit him. He had seen fear in the Professor's eyes when she had first spotted their guest. If he knew something for certain then that Minerva McGonagall was afraid of nothing. If anything it was the other way round, she was the one who usually instilled fear even in the most ferocious Death Eater. So, what was going on?
Minerva had distanced herself from the group in order to get her emotions under control. She caught Albus' eyes in the reflection of one of the pans above the stove. Albus had not left her out of his sight the entire time and she could tell he was worried. If it weren't so absurd she would have laughed. He was worried although it was he who had caused the whole unfortunate situation. Dumbledore stepped behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, feeling her tremble with fury and restrained emotion.
"Tabby", he felt her flinch under his touch but held on nonetheless, "I kept my promise, I swear."
"Then why is she here, Albus?" Minerva asked with a tremor in her voice few would have detected. Before Albus could answer though they heard the nervous voice of Arthur Weasley behind them.
"You are the one who killed Cornelius Fudge's first assistant six years ago. They have been looking for you for six years and now you are here. Albus what is the meaning of this?" Arthur was pointing his wand at the tall, striking woman who stood ill at ease in the middle of the kitchen, her gaze seeking the only person she trusted with her life.
"Arthur, calm down, please." Minerva had turned at Arthur's accusations, looking at the woman in question before she moved to stand protectively in front of her, "Trust me when I tell you it wasn't her who killed Humphrey Cheswick."
"Why? Because less than two minutes ago you were more than insistent that Albus should take our guest back. What has changed in such a short time?"
"Arthur", Albus took up the question, "why don't we sit down and have a nice cup of coffee and a piece of Molly's chocolate cake while Minerva and Siobhan have time to talk?"
He gathered everybody around the table while the two women stood in front of the large fire gazing at each other. Minerva held her robes in a white knuckled grip while Siobhan had her own hands balled in tight fists by her side. Harry cocked his head at them trying to decipher their body language but failed utterly. He sighed heavily and hung his head when she felt Dumbledore's hand on his shoulder.
"What is the matter, Harry? Is something troubling you?"
"Nothing, Professor." Harry mumbled around a bite of his cake and cast another glance at the two women.
"Ah." Dumbledore chuckled as he followed his gaze. "You are worried about Professor McGonagall."
"No. Yes. Yes, I am."
"Why, dear boy?"
"Well you see, Headmaster, it's just that Professor McGonagall is afraid of nothing and yet when Ms Donaghue entered I saw fear in her eyes."
Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully, pondering how to explain to his young charge that sometimes it is important to read between the lines.
"You know, Harry we are all afraid of one thing or the other", he held up his hand to stop Harry's retort before he continued, "but there are also different kinds of fear. The worst of all is the one when we fear for someone. When we fear for this person's life. When we are frightened to lose the best thing that has ever happened to us. And because we are so frightened to lose the only person that ever made us feel this all-encompassing love poets write about we lose sight of our wants and needs and forget that we must live this love or else it would be wasted."
"You mean, Professor McGonagall isn't afraid of Ms Donaghue but rather fears for her?"
"You tell me, Harry!" Albus encouraged him with a gentle squeeze of his shoulder. Harry looked over to the women and observed them for a while before he relaxed with a frown still etched to his forehead.
"Well?"
"It is the latter. I hope they can figure it out."
"So do I, dear boy, so do I."
When Siobhan had joined her in front of the fire, Minerva had grabbed her robes like a vice. The woman stood in front of her in all her glory. Long dark hair, ice blue eyes gazing directly into Minerva's very soul. Her skin was smooth and pale. She had a handsome face with high cheekbones. Siobhan Donaghue looked not a day older than thirty-eight, the age she became this unique person, when she was really 158 years old. She was the Daywalker, a vampire who could walk in the sun but also a werewolf with the ability to change by will into either a large dangerous black wolf or her animagus, a raven but she was also a powerful and talented witch.
"Don't be mad at Albus, Minerva", Siobhan broke the silence between them. Causing Minerva to tighten the grip on her robes even further when all she really wanted was to reach out and touch the woman in front of her. To put a hand against her cheek, to make sure she wasn't a figment of her imagination. She was afraid if she did she would come undone, so she remained rigid but her eyes were no longer able to suppress the emotions than ran rampant inside her.
"I am not mad", Minerva whispered harshly, "I am disappointed. He was toying with the idea to bring you back but I begged him not to and yet he did."
"Albus found the proof of my innocence and the Ministry acknowledged it. I am free of all charges. The papers signed and sealed by Cornelius Fudge himself."
Minerva simply couldn't believe her hears. So this was what Albus had been up to all the time. She sank in one of the chairs by the fire, leaned back and closed her eyes. Should it be really true that after all this time that Albus had found a way to proof the guilt of Louis Lestrange? She opened her eyes when she felt a gentle touch on her knees. Siobhan was kneeling in front of her, her eyes watery, pleading with her.
"Please, my love, please. I know you are worried but I'd rather die with you by my side than spend eternity without you." Tears escaped their prison, running unrestrained over pale cheeks.
"I missed you so much", Minerva whispered. Siobhan put her head in her lover's lap and smiled when she felt Minerva gently stroking her hair and a kiss being pressed into her long dark tresses on the back of her head. Minerva put her cheek against the bend head in her lap, absorbing the warmth of her lover's body and the delight of being able to touch her again.
"I missed you too, beloved", the vampire breathed. She inhaled deeply, her lover's scent tickling her senses and the warmth of her body soothing her heart. Minerva had always had this effect on her, the mere touch of her hand used to sooth the beast as well as her aching heart.
"Maybe we should tell them what is going on. They deserve to know."
"You are right, of course."
Siobhan stood and held her hand out to Minerva who graciously took it to stand. Never letting go of each other's hand they walked to the table where Arthur was glaring at Siobhan confusion written on his face.
"May I have your attention for a moment?" Minerva asked. When conversation ceased she continued. "I asked you to trust me that Siobhan has nothing to do with Humphrey's demise because I know for certain she couldn't have done it."
"Why not?"
"Because she was with me."
"The whole night?"
"Yes."
"How do you know? She could have put a spell on you or something else. There is a lot we don't know about vampires or werewolves. She..."
"I know because it was our wedding anniversary", Minerva cut him off, reaching the end of her patience with her friend.
"Still. She could have..." He continued, unable to cope with the last piece of information but was stopped again, this time by Siobhan soft but determined voice.
"I did no such thing, Arthur. Minerva is the love of my life and I'd rather lay down my own life before I do anything remotely like manipulating her mind or her heart."
Mr Weasley took a step closer to McGonagall and grabbed her arm. His action caught her by surprise.
"Did she fuck you into oblivion then or what that you can't think straight?" He had barely finished his sentence when the commotion started while everything happened so fast nobody was really prepared for it. One second everybody was shouting Arthur's name in outrage and the next the Daywalker had him pinned against the wall. Her right hand with its claws extended lay painfully around his throat. Her eyes were the darkest red one could think of, her fangs very close to his neck as she whispered harshly into his ear, but still loud enough that all of them could hear what she had to say.
"You will never again, in your miserable little life, use such vile language when speaking to my wife! You will treat her with nothing but courtesy and respect just like she deserves! Do you understand, Arthur Weasley?"
This was when she felt a soft hand on the arm that was holding Mr Weasley so effortlessly up in the air.
"Beloved, let him go", it was Minerva's voice that soothed the beast and made it submit. Siobhan turned her face towards the voice and found worried green eyes looking at her. She relaxed her grip on Arthur but didn't let go just yet.
"Please, love." Minerva covered the hand that had turned into a claw with one of her slender ones, forcing the beast back completely. The Daywalker's eyes turned from bloody red to sky blue again as her fangs receded as well.
"A very convincing demonstration of what you are capable of", Arthur was still held by the throat. "Is this how you treat her when nobody is there to protect her?"
"No, Arthur, she has never laid a hand on me other than in love." Minerva objected strongly. Her gaze was locked on her lover's, conveying the love she held for her wife.
"Then why is your back marred with scars?"
This last bit of accusation finally broke the grip Siobhan had on him and she let go of him as if she had been burned. She took a few steps from the fallen man looking at him as if she saw him for the first time. Minerva furiously turned on her heels and glared at Molly. Cursing the one time the bathroom in her own room had been out of order and she had to share. Of course Molly had told him. She watched as Siobhan staggered back to the other side of the room, her back to where everybody was gathered waiting for her to explain what wasn't theirs to know at all. Minerva knew her wife would berate and condemn herself for all the wrong reasons. She took a step towards the Daywalker but was stopped by Arthur's hand on her arm. Looking at the hand then at the man with a withering glare she was proud to see him withdraw the offending limp with a guilty expression.
"This is none of your business, Arthur."
"It most certainly is because you are our friend and we care for you, Minerva, whether you like it or not. And if she was the reason for them it is our damn duty to protect you from her."
Minerva sighed heavily, she should be angry, furious but she couldn't. She knew he meant well and as she looked in the faces of the others she found them nodding in agreement. Albus merely looked expectantly but everybody else wore a worried frown, even the children.
"Look", Minerva said, warmed by their concern, "why don't you all take a seat and have a nice cup of tea? I need to talk to her and afterwards I will explain all you need to know. I assure you though, and I ask you to trust my words, that she has nothing whatsoever to do with them."
Finally they all mumbled their consent and Albus ushered them back to their seats where they resumed their conversation while keeping an eye on their guest.
Minerva walked over to the hearth where her wife was leaning heavily against the mantle. She could tell by the way she held herself that Arthur's words or rather what he had implied had cut her deep. He had barely suppressed the word monster and Minerva knew that in her darkest hours Siobhan regarded herself like that and it pained her that her gentle lover would ever perceive herself as such. The witch rested her forehead against her wife's back and hugged her around the waist from behind, absorbing the warmth of her body. An oddity for a vampire but she was more than that and it had come as a wonderful surprise to Minerva when she had realised so many decades ago that the woman's body wasn't cold at all but rather warm, warmer than her own in fact.
"I am sorry, dearest", the vampire said sorrowfully, "I shouldn't have lost control like that but when he..."
"I know." The witch lifted her head from her lover's back and turned her around which Siobhan did without hesitation. Minerva cupped one of her cheeks in her palm forcing her wife to look at her, "It is all right, my love. You were protecting me."
"I thought he hurt you when you gasped and the way he spoke to you... I..." She covered the hand on her cheek with one of her own and pressed her lips against the soft palm. "They think I did this to you. I would never hurt you."
"I know that", Minerva soothed gently. "But they don't know that because they don't know you like I do. I promised them to explain what happened."
"You don't have to. Not on my account", Siobhan pulled Minerva against her taller frame. It felt so good to have her wife back in her arms she wished she didn't have to let go any time soon. "I don't care if the think of me as a monster. I don't want you to feel exposed and vulnerable just to correct their perception of me."
Minerva put her arms around her wife's back. It delighted her when Siobhan rested her head on her right shoulder and she tenderly stroked her hair. She closed her eyes at the feel of her wife's solid body against her own slender form. How she had missed these moments.
"I care because that is not who you are. And maybe it is time for them to know."
Siobhan tightened their embrace further careful not to hurt her and finally pulled back to look into sincere emerald eyes. She nodded and together they joined the others at the table. The vampire held the chair for Minerva who gracefully sat down and smiled when her lover didn't take a seat but stood behind her with her hand on Minerva's right shoulder.
"This is not at all how I expected the evening would turn out but it can't be helped now, can it?" Minerva began with a raised eyebrow, looking sternly at them. Satisfied when they all but Albus started to squirm in their seats. She was Professor McGonagall for goodness sake, fierce, strict and not to be trifled with.
"Professor", Harry had summoned his courage before he spoke, "you do not have to explain anything. You gave us your word and that is enough."
"I am honoured by your trust, Mr Potter", Minerva replied softly, "but I am afraid not everybody in this room shares your heartfelt sentiment."
"Quite right", Arthur insisted forcefully. McGonagall sighed and covered the hand on her shoulder with her own when she felt the reassuring squeeze.
"Molly saw something nobody, except my wife, was ever meant to see", Minerva began with a calm and collected voice. Her bodily shortcomings were nothing she liked to dwell on but it couldn't be helped right now. "Again, she is not the one who put those scars on my back, if anything she is the reason why I am able to sit here and tell you about them."
"Who, Minerva?" Molly Weasley asked anxiously.
"During our last war against Voldemort some members of the Order ran into an ambush. I made sure everybody could escape but unfortunately I had miscalculated their advance and was captured by the Death Eaters."
"They tortured you." Remus understood now how his former teacher and friend had suffered her scars. He was no stranger to their methods.
"Yes. Rodolphus Lestrange is not especially known for his skills as a host. He does not chat idly over a cup of tea and ginger newts but rather takes great pleasure in inflicting excruciating pain."
Siobhan could see that Arthur looked shocked at the admission and it was plain as day that he wished the earth would open right now to swallow him whole for his insinuations.
"Oh, Minerva, can you ever forgive me? I didn't have the slightest idea." The man apologised sorrowfully, feeling like the lowest creature on earth. She waved it off, "It is not me you owe an apology."
"Siobhan, I am awfully sorry for what I said and implied. Please accept my sincerest apology."
"Accepted, Arthur."
"There is more though, Professor, isn't it?" Hermione as perceptive as ever caught on that Lestrange wasn't the only reason for her marred flesh.
"Very astute as ever, Ms Granger", Minerva agreed ruefully. "Suffice to say that hadn't my wife found me in time Rodolphus would have killed me. I was barely alive when she came to my rescue. Finally, my father had a certain way to ensure that my sister and I would learn his rules as fast as possible. He had a fast temper and was even faster with the whip. Father made sure that we would never make a mistake more than once."
"Just like the Dursley's", Harry mumbled nearly unintelligible. But not low enough for McGonagall. Her animagus wasn't a cat for naught. "Just like them, Mr Potter, but fiercer."
"I am sorry", Harry said with heartfelt sincerity.
"Don't be", Minerva smiled gently at the boy, "it helped me become the woman I am today. It taught me a vital lesson. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. My wonderful wife taught me that love is worth fighting for. It is the most powerful emotion in the world. A friend once told me this and I know he was right." She shot a glance at Albus who smiled indulgently at her.
"I agree, Professor", Harry returned her smile.
Minerva put her hands on the table and heaved herself from the chair, feeling drained, tired and incredibly old.
"If you excuse me, I will retire to my room. Good night."
"Good night, Professor."
"Good night, Minerva."
It followed her out of the kitchen and with heaviness in her heart she climbed the stairs to her room. She was glad that her wife had caught on her mood and given her the space and time she needed before she would join her for the night. Minerva silently closed the door behind her and sat on the large bed. She covered her face with her hands to let the tears finally run freely down her cheeks.
When the door closed behind Minerva McGonagall's retreating back all eyes of the occupants turned towards Siobhan. She sighed at their looks and sat in the chair her wife had just vacated.
"Are you not going with her?" Molly asked worriedly.
"Later." The vampire answered with another sigh. "Right now my comfort would not be welcome. She just needs some time to regroup after everything that has happened."
"We didn't treat her well tonight, did we?" Remus scratched his head as he looked around the table. "I mean we forced her to reveal very personal things and we all know that Minerva is a very private woman. She hates pity and she hates others meddling in her affairs."
"It is not pity to care, Remus." Siobhan disagreed. "Although, some might think of a different approach in the future." She gazed pointedly at Arthur who had the grace to look ashamed.
"Ms Donaghue?"
"Yes, Ms Granger?" The Daywalker smiled encouragingly at the girl.
"May I ask how you two met? If it is not too personal."
"Not at all. The first time our paths crossed was during the war against Grindlewald. Very much like Voldemort and his followers Grindlewald disdained anybody who wasn't a pureblood and I am even worse than that. I am a vampire, a werewolf and witch all rolled into one. An abomination." She paused and thought of the time she had first lain eyes on Minerva McGonagall. A far away expression appeared in her eyes when she thought of her wife as a young woman.
"Minerva was the most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes on and, as far as I am concerned, still is and ever will be the most beautiful woman I have ever met."
"You certainly never looked at any other woman after you have met her." Albus agreed thoughtfully.
"No. And why should I? For you she is merely Professor McGonagall but when we met the first time she wasn't teaching at Hogwarts. It was the summer before she took up teaching. Her dark hair reached all the way down to the middle of her back, flowing freely in the light breeze and her eyes were of the most brilliant green, just like the rolling hills of her beloved Highlands."
"Yes, she was quite a stunning woman." Dumbledore mused as he remembered the young Minerva McGonagall on her first day as one of his staff.
"She is magnificent, Albus. Minerva is a beautiful woman. Regal, strong, brave and loyal. She is caring, loving, highly intelligent and the most powerful witch of our time."
"I agree."
"Anyway, I got injured during a fight against Grindlewald's followers. They were hunting me for days when one of them finally got lucky and shot me with a silver arrow. I don't know how but I escaped and Minerva found me. Exhaustion and pain had led to my transformation into my human form. I was in dire need of a healer and blood to heal my wounds. Minerva provided both and took very good care of me. As soon as I was back on my feet I left because I couldn't risk staying longer than necessary otherwise she would have been in grave danger. By then I was already madly in love with her. Little did I know that she felt the same way."
"This is sad." Hermione said sorrowfully. "But you met again?"
"Yes, we did. A few years after the war we met again. We both had survived and I finally found the courage to tell her how I felt. I was over the moon to learn my feelings were reciprocated. Although, marriage between vampire-werewolves like myself and witches was prohibited we found an official who wed us secretly. We kept our relationship to ourselves and when Voldemort sought power we were back where we had been years before."
"It was even worse than before", Molly mused ruefully.
"Quite so. I nearly lost my mind when I heard of Minerva's abduction by Lestrange. She was barely alive when I found her. I wreaked havoc among the Death Eaters but Rodolphus could escape, unfortunately. After the war they swore revenge for the blood loss I caused amongst them."
"So what happened?" Harry wanted to know.
"It was still rather dangerous to be open about our marriage so we kept it a secret and that is why they could do what they did. If they had known that Minerva was married to me they would have killed her for committing the ultimate crime in their eyes. They killed the minister's first assistant and incriminated me." Siobhan said sadly.
It had cost them so much. Six years were stolen from them and nobody could ever give it back to them. She wouldn't allow Voldemort to take more from them.
"Albus suggested I should go into hiding because he was convinced that I wouldn't have stood a chance in the trial."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "Minerva would have been exposed as well and we all knew it would have served no purpose."
"I needed her to be safe", the Daywalker added, "as much as she needed the same for me. So we agreed that I would live in the muggle world until the time was right to return. Today Albus came with the signed and sealed document from the Ministry that I am free of all charges. Since the laws for vampire-werewolves and their relationships with witches have been changed completely we can also live as a married couple."
"I am glad", Molly offered as she covered her husband's hands with her own. "I didn't know that in all those years I felt sorry for Minerva she had already found what she had been looking for. But it saddens me to know that you couldn't live your life like everybody else and that you were robbed of six years of your life together."
"Thank you, Molly", Siobhan was touched. "If you excuse me. I think it is time to go and look after my wife. Good night, everybody."
Minerva had long run out of tears and her hands lay palms up in her lap. She couldn't bring herself to get ready for bed. All she knew was that she longed for her wife's embrace, her warmth, comfort and love. It was then that she heard a soft knock on her door before her wife entered. The vampire closed the door carefully behind her and sat on the bed next to Minerva. No words were needed, Siobhan simply took her in her arms. She tucked Minerva's head under her chin and took out all the pins that held her hair in a tight bun. It flowed freely down her back and Siobhan gently kissed her wife's temple. She kissed way down to her jaw and gently turned Minerva's face to her. As Siobhan covered Minerva's lips with her own she rejoiced at the touch. She brushed her lips over Minerva's once, twice before she started to nibble on her lower lip when the mouth under hers suddenly opened, allowing her to deepen the kiss. Minerva held Siobhan's head between her hands revelling in the closeness she had missed so desperately for far too long. The vampire knew she needed her wife in every sense. She desired Minerva, always had and always would. Her lips travelled down the witch's chin as she traced tender kisses down Minerva's throat. Siobhan's hand caressed her wife's cheek, down to her shoulder, grazing over her collarbone. The back of her fingers run over Minerva's breast when she was stopped by a hand on her chest.
"What is it, love? Did I do something wrong?" Siobhan asked anxiously.
"No. You did nothing wrong. It is just..." Minerva sighed and looked down, when a gentle hand under her chin raised her head and she gazed into soulful blue eyes.
"Just what? Tell me, please."
How could she explain what was holding her back when all she really wanted was feeling her lover's skin against her own, being loved by the woman who held her heart. Minerva stood and put some distance between them before she turned around. Her wife looked so breathtakingly beautiful, patiently waiting for her to explain why she couldn't make love to her. Siobhan had always been like this with her, patient, loving and gentle.
"Is it because of Arthur? Because of what he said? I would never cheapen what we have by using such language."
"I know", Minerva whispered hoarsely. Siobhan stood and closed the distance between them with long strides, gathering her in her arms again. The witch brought her arms to her back and held her tight.
"Then what, beloved? What is holding you back?"
Minerva mumbled into her wife's chest, embarrassed at her own insecurity. Siobhan pulled back slightly and lifted her head with a gentle finger under her chin.
"What?" The vampire asked again not quite sure if she had understood correctly.
"I have become old." Minerva felt ridiculous for having to spell out the obvious to her wife.
"I am wrinkled. Certain things sag. Your skin is smooth and flawless. What could you possibly want with me? There are so many young and beautiful women in the muggle world. Don't tell me you haven't been at least been interested in one of them?"
The witch stepped out of the embrace and sat down on the bed again, feeling miserable and foolish but she couldn't help it. She loved Siobhan more than life itself and she would be content if there would be nothing more than hugging and kissing between them. Siobhan was taken aback by her wife's words but she knew Minerva hadn't meant to hurt, it was her insecurity speaking. Six years were a long time and while she knew without a doubt that Minerva hadn't been with anybody else the witch was afraid she had. It was not that she didn't trust her but she knew a vampire-werewolf was a very sexual being by nature. But just like her wife she hadn't been with anybody for six years. Her looks were deceiving and yet it let Minerva to believe that she was no longer desirable to her. The vampire knelt at Minerva's feet and took both of her hands in her own, kissing her knuckles reverently.
"I love you, Minerva. Ever since we met for the first time it was you. Nobody else but you. I desire you and I love you very much. The past six years were the most awful years of my existence. You were constantly on my mind. I longed to be with you. To hold you, kiss you and make love to you. Age is a superficial notion. As for the bodily changes, I do not mind, on the contrary. I welcome them they are proof of being alive. They make you who you are. Please, let me make love to you."
Minerva framed her wife's face with her hands and guided her to her lips. She hoped to convey her own yearning, desire and longing with this kiss. They only broke apart for much needed air and the witch no longer wanted to deprive her lover what she craved.
"Make love to me, please!"
Siobhan bestowed another soft kiss on Minerva's lips before she bent down to take off her wife's shoes. She offered her hand to help Minerva stand and they shared another long kiss as she pushed Minerva's green outer robe down her shoulders. The vampire shrugged out of her black coat and started to open the buttons of her dark blue shirt. Minerva stopped her at the third button, gently pushing her hands away. The witch pressed a kiss at the revealed skin between her wife's breasts while she continued to open the rest of the buttons. She pushed the shirt off of Siobhan's shoulders and took in the glorious beauty in front of her. Siobhan was magnificent and Minerva felt another jolt of insecurity at the woman in front of her. The vampire recognised the look in her wife's eyes but she would have none of it. She swept Minerva off her feet causing the witch to yelp in surprise before she put her arms around her wife's neck. Siobhan kissed her again, full of passion and want. The vampire laid her carefully on the bed and caressed her cheek with the back of her fingers. Looking deep in those beloved emerald depths she felt her heart burst with love for the woman on the bed.
"I love you so much", the vampire whispered in awe at the beauty she was honoured to call her wife.
"I love you too." Minerva answered, looking deep into her wife's blue eyes. "Make love to me, please."
"Gladly, my love." She covered the mouth underneath her with her lips, savouring the feeling of slender hands tracing over her back. Siobhan continued with her gentle assault, giving her wife nothing but pleasure and happily received as much pleasure during the night. When they finally fell asleep in the early hours of the morning, Siobhan spooned Minerva from behind her hand gently cupping the witch's breast, burying her face in her wife's long soft tresses.
It took about two hours of sleep for the vampire to feel refreshed again but instead of getting up in search of a decent cup of coffee she remained where she was, holding the most precious gift of her life in her arms and being truly happy again. Her heightened senses told her that the other occupants of the house were slowly awakening. She heard Molly's footsteps on the stairs, Remus having a shower while Harry and his friends were still fast asleep. Siobhan propped her head on her hand and gazed lovingly at the woman next to her. Minerva was sleeping peacefully; a small smile was on her lips and her grey streaked hair spilled out across the pillow. Siobhan thought she looked breathtakingly gorgeous. She kissed the corner of her wife's mouth, careful not to wake her before she slipped out of bed to shower. Dressed and in need of a cup of coffee she gently kissed her wife's cheek and left quietly in search for her coffee.
Molly was busy preparing breakfast when Siobhan entered unnoticed. She softly cleared her throat to make sure the woman wouldn't be startled by her sudden presence but to no avail. The Weasley matriarch turned at the unexpected sound and jumped when she saw the vampire standing in the middle of the kitchen.
"Good morning. I didn't mean to startle you." Siobhan apologised.
"It is quite all right, my dear", Molly waved her hand and returned to her work. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes. Thank you. Is this coffee I smell?"
"Of course, please help yourself!"
Siobhan did so gratefully, taking her cup to the table. She closed her eyes and inhaled the strong aroma. The vampire wasn't in the least surprised when she saw Molly in the chair next to her when she opened her eyes again.
"Is everything all right, Molly?" Siobhan asked gently.
"Quite so, yes thank you." Molly stuttered, unsure how to phrase what she wanted to know. When she couldn't come up with an unobtrusive way to find out what she wanted to know she decided that the direct approach was the best.
"Is Minerva all right? I mean after what we put her through. I hope she doesn't hold it against us. We were worried and wanted to make sure she was fine."
Siobhan put her hand over Molly's to still the nervous pulling on a tread in the table cloth.
"She is fine, Molly. Minerva knows you care a great deal for her and she is grateful. So am I. You have been good friends to my wife."
"She grows on you, our stern Professor", Molly smiled. "Minerva is loyal to a fault and the bravest woman I know."
"All I can ask of you is to not treat her any differently than before. She still is the same woman. I am sure she will be more distant and unapproachable than ever but please remember it is nothing personal. It is the only way she knows how to deal with when feeling exposed."
"Don't worry! I know the people in this house therefore I am sure their respect for Minerva McGonagall has risen considerably since last night."
"Thank you, Molly." Siobhan was touched but before she could say anything more Molly patted her arm and returned to the stove.
The vampire was sipping her third coffee when one by one everybody walked into the kitchen. Arthur pecked Molly's cheek cheerfully, Remus had his nose in a book while Harry, Ron and Hermione merely mumbled their good mornings as they stumbled to their chairs. They were all enjoying their meal, laughing and chatting amicably by the time Professor McGonagall entered.
Minerva woke an hour after Siobhan had left in her search for coffee. She had turned sleepily and reached out for her only to find the sheets cold, her wife gone. The witch looked at the clock on the opposite wall, surprised how late it already was. Although, she hadn't much sleep last night she felt wonderfully rejuvenated. Having been thoroughly loved does that to you, Minerva mussed. She got ready for the day and when she descended the stairs she felt a certain dread. Not a hair was out of place her robes were immaculately as always. She looked every inch the prim and proper Hogwarts teacher as always. But something was different and the others knew. The fact that she was a married woman was not a secret any longer, what she had endured at the Death Eater's hands as well as her father's was known to everybody on the other side of the door. She was afraid of their reaction and steeled herself with a deep breath before she entered the kitchen. Standing on the top of the stairs Minerva looked at the people she called her friends. Much to the Professor's surprise nobody really looked twice at her. They all said their good mornings. Only her wife stood with a brilliant smile on her face and held out a chair for her. Minerva took her seat with a silent, "Thank you" only Siobhan could hear. Molly brought her breakfast and sat down again herself. A morning like every other in the safe house. Not entirely. It was better than the many other days for the last six years she realised with a jolt when her wife covered one of her hands with her own and gave it a gentle squeeze. The chatter and teasing continued like always and Minerva felt herself relax for the first time since she had entered the kitchen.
"Oh, before I forget", Remus suddenly remembered, "Albus returned to Hogwarts this morning and left a few papers for you in the library, Minerva."
"Thank you, Remus. I will look through them after breakfast." At the questioning gaze of her wife she merely shrugged.
The Weasleys, Remus and Siobhan accompanied Ron and Hermione to Diagon Alley to shop for the next term. They would also meet Fred, George and Ginny who had spent the summer with their brother in Rumania. Minerva read through Albus' papers while Harry who had done his shopping at the beginning of summer lay on his bed reading one of Hermione's muggle books. At around lunch his stomach was rumbling loudly reminding him it was indeed time for lunch. Leaving the book at the foot of his bed he went to the kitchen in search for a snack. Harry knew he wouldn't have to look too hard because Mrs Weasley surely had prepared something for them in advance. On his way he came across the library where he stopped by the open door and found Professor McGonagall deeply engrossed in the papers Dumbledore had left for her. Upon a closer look he was certain that she didn't have lunch. Harry shook his head at the Professor and went to fetch lunch and a glass of pumpkin juice for both of them. He found a plate with sandwiches in the fridge and glasses with juice which he put on a tray and carried it carefully to the library. Pushing the door further open with his foot Harry entered and cleared his throat to catch the woman's attention. Professor McGonagall looked over the rim of her glasses, not pleased at the disturbance. Before she could protest though, Harry beat her to it with more courage than he actually felt.
"Lunchtime, Professor. Mrs Weasley prepared sandwiches for us and a cool glass of pumpkin juice."
"Well", Minerva shuffled the papers to make place for the tray. "All right then, I must admit I am indeed a bit hungry."
Harry handed her gallantly one of the plates with a napkin and a glass of juice before he took one for himself and sat on the other side of the table. They ate in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. While he munched on this delicious treat he observed the woman in front of him as unobtrusively as possible. Something was different about her, he had noticed the moment when she entered the kitchen he just couldn't put his finger on what it was. There was nothing unusual about her. Her robes, hair style and glasses were the same. She still looked stern and strict like any other day. So what was it that made her seem slightly different? Softer? Yes, that was the word. She seemed softer but at the same time not at all.
Minerva was slightly unnerved by Harry's constant scrutiny. When she couldn't take it any longer she wanted to know what was going on in the boy's head.
"All right, spit it out Potter! What is it that goes on in your head that makes you stare at me as if I was one of Professor Sprout's new specimen."
Before he could stop himself Harry blurted out what was running through his mind since they had started their lunch, "You are happy! That's it!" At her stony gaze he clamped a hand over his mouth and jumped out of his chair stuttering his apologies, "I am sorry, I didn't mean...I just...You look happy and I thought...I am sorry."
Minerva couldn't suppress a smirk. It was endearing coming from him. From everybody else it would have felt like an intrusion but his sincere heartfelt words were warming.
"Harry, please, calm down", McGonagall said louder than intended to get the boys attention. She pointed toward the sofa in the middle of the large room. "Come sit with me, Harry."
Harry waited until she had walked around the large oak desk and followed her to the sofa.
"Professor, you must believe me I didn't mean to offend you. It just slipped."
"I am not offended. On the contrary", Minerva assured him with a low gentle voice, "I am touched because from you it isn't just a meaningless conversation filler. It is honest and caring. I do appreciate your concern, Harry. So, yes I am happy. Very happy."
"I am glad", Harry nodded. "You deserve it, Professor."
"I am sure others would not agree with you."
"But you don't care what other people think or say about you. You always do what is right and stand up for those who can't do so for themselves."
"That is very touching, Harry. But a bit exaggerated, don't you think?"
"I think he is absolutely right." They both turned, startled by the voice from the door way. Siobhan leaned against the frame, her hands in her trouser pockets and smiling at her flustered wife.
"You are biased." Minerva embarrassedly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and blushed becomingly when wife kissed the top of her head affectionately before she sat on the arm of the sofa.
"Maybe, but I still think Harry is right nonetheless." Siobhan winked at him and he smiled. Love looked good on Professor McGonagall, at least he thought so.
"I must go", he stood and walked over to the desk to take the tray with their dishes back into the kitchen. "Oh, I meant to thank you properly, Professor. I have never really done so and I wanted to say thank you."
"Whatever for?" Minerva wondered.
"For the broom you gave me for my first Quidditch match."
"Nonsense. It was nothing."
"We both know that is not true." Harry objected gently before he went on, "And for the many times you came by my aunt's house and kept me company when I needed a friend."
"I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about", Minerva said haughtily.
Harry returned to the sofa, he put his hand over one of hers that lay on the seat and leaned in to chastely kiss her cheek.
"Thank you, Tabby." He whispered boldly before he finally took the tray down to the kitchen. Harry was gone before she could answer. A single tear stole its way down her cheek and she brushed it away with a shaking hand.
"I am an old sentimental fool", Minerva chastised herself. "My students would have a field day if they could see me now. What was the boy thinking?"
Siobhan slid down unto the sofa and put her arm around her wife, pulling her gently against her body before she answered, "He thought you should know that it is highly appreciated what you have done for him and everybody else. Those who count would never think less of you. They respect you and look up to you. As for the rest, if they think you sentimental or weak it will be their downfall because they will underestimate you and what you are capable of."
She kissed Minerva's temple and smiled when the witch tried to suppress a yawn. "Are you tired, love?"
"Yes, last night was a bit short", Minerva admitted.
"Are you complaining?"
"Never." The witch strongly objected. She unsuccessfully tried to suppress another yawn and closed her eyes when Siobhan pulled the pins from her severe bun to let her hair fall down her back gentle fingers started to massage her scalp lulling her to sleep. Siobhan encouraged her to lie down in her lap. Minerva put up no resistance she relaxed further under her wife's gentle hands. It didn't take long for the witch to fall asleep with her wife caressing her brow. Siobhan entwined their hands over Minerva's stomach and was more than happy to provide the peace and silence Minerva needed. She knew that if it was required she would sit there forever. The vampire leaned down to kiss her wife's brow, nose and the corner of her mouth careful not to wake her.
The Weasley terrors, otherwise known as Fred and George, giggled when they saw the picture of their Head of House sleeping in another woman's arms. Somehow they had managed to find a way to sneak in a device to take the picture without the two women noticing it. If they were honest though, they had to admit that it had been quite easy. McGonagall was fast asleep in the middle of the afternoon while her wife was way too occupied watching over her sleep to notice their little artificial fly that took the picture.
They didn't really mind that fierce Professor McGonagall was married or that the person she was married to, was a woman or that that person was the mythical Daywalker. It was just unexpected. Minerva McGonagall was a reliable constant in their world. The twins liked her a great deal, although they would never ever admit, not even under torture. But it was still a rather mind blowing concept to suddenly find out that the woman they had known for so long wasn't at all what they had thought. Everybody seemed to wholeheartedly support McGonagall's relationship and so would they but that didn't mean they couldn't have a little bit of fun before they started being supportive or protective.
TBC