Authors Note: Dedicated to the wonderful Tigertales as always... The update would have been sooner but she's been keeping me... busy while here in the states. I have the next chapter of Exile almost done too, will try and post before I go back to England :(

Here's the autumn chapter of the story, each chapter will be a snippit of their relationship. Enjoy!

Hermione bent down and tucked Hugo's jeans into the top of his wellington boots, she gave him a pat on the thigh when she was done. "All set." She stood up and made her way towards the kitchen, "Rose have you..."

Her words stopped when she saw Molly standing with a visitor next to the table. "Minerva... this is a surprise." She was pleased to see the older witch, it had been some time since they had seen each other.

Emerald eyes shot a momentary glare in Molly's direction. "Hermione, hello. Molly asked me to repair her clock." She lifted up the clock, holding it in front of her like a shield.

Hermione raised an eyebrow, not taken in by either Molly's ruse or the mock innocent tone in Minerva's voice. "What's really going on?"

It was at that moment that the two kids ran into the kitchen. "Minerva!" With deft reflexes the ebony haired witch placed the clock on the table and knelt down to hug the two youngsters, catching Hugo as he tripped over his own feet into her embrace.

"Hello there you two."

Hermione stood watching as her former professor spoke with her children, treating them as though their views really mattered. It was something she loved to see, although she hadn't realised that they knew Minerva that well. She took that time to look at the witch now sitting crosslegged on the floor.

Dark burgundy robes with gold embroidery had replaced the black teaching garments or the formal green ones that Hermione had seen her wear at functions. The colour suited Minerva, the robes were far more flattering – highlighting a slender yet womanly form that was a surprise to the younger witch.

Minerva looked up knowing that Hermione was watching her, their eyes met for a long moment. "Hermione is taking the children for a walk in the forest." Molly interrupted.

The Headmistress smiled tentatively, "Well the leaves are a lovely colour and it is not too cold."

"Why don't you go with them Minerva, you're looking a little peaky?"

Minerva blustered, "I... well... I hardly think..."

"Molly I'm sure that Minerva has better..."

"Yaaaaaaaayyy, Minerva's coming with us Hugh." Rose started jumping up and down with glee, bushy curls bouncing wildly, Hugo following suit after a moment.

Helplessly emerald eyes met chocolate brown. Molly clapped her hands together matter-of-factly, "So it's settled then. Let's get your coats on kids." She walked out of the room taking the children with her, leaving the two witches staring at each other.

Hermione recovered first, "I think that... perhaps a change of clothes is in order."

The ten minute drive to the local forest was conducted in slightly confused silence. Hermione and Minerva both spoke to the children but not to each other, it was slightly awkward but not unpleasantly so. Sideways glances were exchanged from time to time along with wry smiles but they did not speak.

Hermione parked the car and hopped out in a lithe motion. She opened a rear door and let the kids undo their seatbelts before tumbling out and running over to a fallen log at the start of the trail. They didn't go far but instead clambered all over the piece of wood, waiting for their mother and Minerva.

The Headmistress got out of the car in a somewhat more subdued manner, she couldn't believe Molly's cheek. Although she had thought that her friend had something in mind, she had never thought that Molly would be quite that blatant. Minerva slammed the car door firmly, avoiding enquiring chocolate eyes. She almost jumped out of her skin when the vehicle gave a loud BLEEP.

"I'm sorry, I was just locking it – I should have warned you."

Minerva chuckled, "They never used to make that noise."

"Muggle magic."

They exchanged another look, this one warm and humorous. Walking to the start of the trail together they followed the kids who were ecstatically bouncing around, "Ok we're here, don't run too far ahead." The two children ran down the wide avenue of trees whooping and hollering. Hermione grinned after them, loving their enthusiasm.

"They'll settle down in a minute."

"It is a beautiful day and they are enjoying themselves." Minerva smiled widely at the younger woman, quite clearly enjoying the sight. They walked on for a few minutes in silence.

"Minerva..."

"Hermione..."

They both laughed when they realised that they were talking at the same moment. Hermione indicated that Minerva should go first. The older witch stuck her hands in her coat pockets, "I feel that I should apologise for Molly."

The brunette looked at the Headmistress for a long moment. Minerva had changed her clothing into very convincing muggle attire; form fitting stone-wash jeans, black ankle boots and an emerald knitted jumper. She wore a light tan suede jacket unzipped over the top. Her hair was pulled back in a barrette flowing down her back with a few loose tendrils around her face which was flushed partly from the wind and partly from embarrassment.

The suspicions that Hermione had formed in the kitchen earlier that morning were suddenly confirmed. Molly had been planning something. "Arthur does all the time in any case."

"She means well." Minerva stopped to examine an interesting looking stick that Rose had brought for her approval before running off again.

"I didn't realise that you two were that close." There was a question in that statement but it was fairly casual, giving the older witch the opportunity not to answer.

"Before the last war there were a number of skirmishes, during one of them Molly and I were pinned down by the enemy for several hours. Based on that experience we built a friendship that has... lasted for many years."

"I remember when I was staying at The Burrow during the holidays, several times I would come downstairs early on a Saturday morning and find you there."

Minerva chuckled, "You were a much earlier riser than the others, Rose and Hugo are much the same."

Hermione grinned, "They certainly make a lie-in hard to obtain."

"Not that you would have one in any case."

"There are always better things to do in the morning than languish in bed."

Minerva disagreed, she could certainly think of something very satisfying that she wanted to do languishing in bed – not that she said anything to the younger woman, who was currently wearing a smirk on her pretty features as though the same thought had occurred to her.

"I only get every second weekend off as Headmistress but generally taking a few hours away from the school that early in the morning is easy enough. Over the years Molly and I have fallen into the pattern of having breakfast and a chat before the rest of the Weasleys wake up."

Hermione returned her full attention to the children for a long moment watching as they jumped in a shallow ditch sending leaves and mud flying everywhere. "Why do I get the impression that we've been set up?"

The Headmistress took her time before answering, she looked at the attractive young woman trying to gauge Hermione's mood, trying to guess what answer she wanted. The widow was wearing a dark leather bomber jacket over a cream sweater and dark jeans. Her bushy hair was somewhat neater than it had been at school, with strands of grey at her temples it hung below her shoulder blades. Chocolate eyes were still warm, intelligent and passionate but there was a hint of weariness about her.

"Funny, I got that impression too." Those chocolate eyes turned hard and assessing as they met emerald green. Minerva inhaled sharply, obviously joking was the wrong thing to do. "Molly asked me to come to The Burrow today on a pretext, I honestly did not know what she was planning."

Hermione softened, it was obvious that Minerva was telling the truth and the flush on high elegant cheekbones was extremely attractive. "Minerva...?" Whatever she was going to say was interrupted by Hugo who ran over to take the Headmistresses hand.

"Come pway 'Nerva." He shot a glance at his mother and added, "Pees." When Minerva smiled Hugo proceeded to pull her up the trail by the hand. The boy began to kick at stray leaves happily, chattering up at the witch the whole time.

Minerva took him from the path to the side of the trail where drifts of fallen leaves had gathered. "Like this." The venerable Headmistress of Hogwarts began to run through the piles of leaves with her arms outstretched dragging her feet, scattering leaves everywhere. With whoops and yells the two children followed her.

Hermione grinned and surreptitiously slipped her camera out of her pocket. She began snapping photos, desperately trying to capture the spirit of this moment. The young woman was looking at a scene that she had never imagined witnessing. Several minutes passed and Minerva walked over to where Hermione was standing staring at a small silver muggle device.

"What is it?"

"A digital camera."

"Pardon?"

"A camera that allows you to see the images immediately on this..." She pointed at the screen, "You can decide if you want to print a picture or not."

"May I see?"

There was a brief hesitation before Hermione handed over the camera and allowed the older woman to see the photograph that had captivated her attention.

There was a wide avenue of trees, their sparse foliage contrasting vividly with a blue autumn sky, the track between the trees hidden completely beneath a carpet of golden brown. An attractive woman with laughing green eyes and a brilliant smile was twirling around with two children in the centre of a maelstrom of floating leaves. Sun was shining through the trees, bringing out the highlights in Minerva's ebony hair and turning the spinning leaves into pure bright gold. It was almost as though Hermione had caught the essence of real magic in a single image.

The younger witch laughed at the awestruck expression on Minerva's face, "It's a lovely picture isn't it?"

"That is an understatement. You really are skilled Hermione."

"It was inspired." Quite what Hermione meant by that comment Minerva didn't know but it gave her hope.

"Hermione?" Hands were again stuffed in The Headmistresses jacket pockets, the younger witch waited for Minerva to continue – finding the nervousness being displayed an appealing counterpoint to the confident woman she had always known. "Would you... if you are not... I mean will you..." Minerva took a deep breath, "Have dinner with me tonight?"

Hermione's first response was to smile coyly, "Are you asking me on a date Minerva?"

Another deep breath, "Yes."

"Ok."

"Really?" Minerva's eagerness was obvious by the high pitched note in her voice.

"Yes. I'd like to go out with you."

The two women grinned at each other. "Mum, Minerva come on!" Obediently they followed Hermione's children further up the trail.

Hermione precariously balanced four Styrofoam cups in her hands as she walked back towards the playground where her kids were playing under the watchful gaze of Minerva McGonagall. The few minutes that she had been in the cafe allowed her time to think.

During her schooldays she had been teased mercilessly by her friends about the crush that she had on her Transfiguration professor. As the years passed Hermione had developed feelings for Ron, who was more accessible and those feelings grew into love, they were happily married and had children but she'd never forgotten her schoolgirl crush.

When they had occasionally met during the intervening years Hermione had enjoyed the verbal interplay that they had exchanged as equals. To be asked on a date by Minerva was quite literally a dream come true but that was not why she had accepted. In the past two hours she had seen a side of her former professor that she had never believed she would see - a warm, funny, playful woman who enjoyed interacting with her children. A woman whom she wanted to get to know better.

She reached the bench where Minerva was sitting, noticing straight away that the kids had discarded their coats, gloves, hats and scarves. Hermione sat down next to the witch, smiling as Minerva helped her with the cups, "Thank you."

"You are most welcome." The young brunette put the children's hot chocolates on the bench and smiled again when Minerva handed her a coffee. "They wanted to take off their cold weather gear and play." The Headmistress had obviously caught Hermione's gaze at the pile on the end of the bench and was worried about her reaction.

Hermione took a sip of the steaming liquid, "They look warm enough." A glance told her that the kids were running around with rosy cheeks. "Relax Minerva, I trust your judgement." Chocolate eyes met green over the lip of her cup.

"That is the nicest compliment I have had in a while."

"You obviously don't get out much."

Minerva gave a chuckle, "Molly said almost the same thing to me last week."

"And to me."

There was a pause in the conversation as both witches surreptitiously grabbed their wands and cushioned Hugo's fall from the top of the climbing frame. "Be careful Hugo!" The lad ran to his mother for a hug and a sip of his drink before bouncing off again. "I wish that I had as much energy as they do."

"I think that you do an amazing job in any case."

Hermione raised an eyebrow enquiringly, "Hmmmm?"

"You work full time, study hard and are a single parent with two young children. You should hear how proud Molly is of you."

"She's sweet, we've gotten really close over the last few years."

"I know."

Hermione chuckled, shifting position and relaxing. "I'd forgotten that the two of you gossip."

"She keeps me up to date." Minerva blushed when Hermione looked at her seriously, obviously enquiring, "I asked because I was curious."

They paused the conversation when Rose and Hugo breathlessly walked over to drink the rapidly cooling hot chocolate. A few minutes passed before they were left alone again, "Five more minutes guys."

When Hermione again turned her attention to Minerva her manner was mildly flirtatious. "So... how long have you wanted to... ask me... to dinner?" She phrased the question obliquely, wanting to know how long the older witch had been attracted to her but not knowing quite how to say that to Minerva McGonagall. The hesitant way in which the invitation had been phrased suggested that it was someone else's idea.

An enigmatic smile crossed Minerva's face, "Does it matter?" She looked almost embarrassed.

"Yes but if you'd prefer not to answer..."

The Headmistress downed the last of her coffee in one swig as though wishing it was something stronger, "I have been attracted to you for quite some time." She looked at her shoes, knowing that she had finally revealed her deepest most guarded secret.

A thoughtful expression crossed Hermione's face as she tossed the discarded cups in the rubbish bin. "I had the biggest crush on you when I was at school."

"I know."

"You did? But... why did you not say anything?" She returned to the bench, sitting somewhat closer to Minerva than she had been before. "I... liked you... presumably you liked me too..."

A gentle hand caressed Hermione's, "I could not. You were a student in my care and despite my feelings for you it would have been wrong for me to act on them." She smiled, green eyes twinkling, "I was severely tempted, I freely admit that. But I had to wait, until you matured, until you were ready to recognise me as a potential suitor."

Hermione's voice was soft, "And when you saw me with Ron?"

The caressing hand turned over, inviting the young woman to slip hers within Minerva's grasp. "Your happiness has always been of paramount importance to me. If Ronald Weasley made you happy I could accept that."

"And now?"

"I am hoping that I have not jeopardised our chance for a future."

"Well that depends."

"On what exactly?"

"On where you are taking me to dinner."

"Hugo come here." The youngster obediently ran back over to Minerva who bent down and zipped up his coat. He leaned up and kissed her cheek before whispering something in her ear. The witch laughed and nodded, he ran over to his sister who giggled.

"Minerva, dare I ask?"

"They want us to play hide and seek." There was a bright smile on The Headmistresses face, which the younger woman felt herself respond to. Rose and Hugo rushed over and took Minerva by the hands.

"Mummy, you count to twenny and come find us."

With a theatrical gesture Hermione covered her eyes, "One... two... three."

"Slower Mummy."

"...Four...Five..."

Minerva led the children around the corner, "Where shall we hide?"

"Leaves."

She looked around, giving Hugo's suggestion full consideration. The covering was a few inches deep and any foliage was sparse, she would have to create a place to hide in any case. "Why not?" A glance around her told her that they were alone on the trail and that there were no muggles to witness her use of magic.

A few waves of her wand gathered up the leaves into a huge pile. The three of them dove into the middle of the heap – just in time. "Ready or not, here I come." The witch grinned widely when she heard Hermione's voice.

The young mother tried hard not to giggle when she rounded the corner, the ground had been swept bare by magic and in the centre of the trail was a pile of leaves almost as tall as she was. Shaking her head incredulously she began to 'look' for her children and Minerva.

"Where can they be?... Behind the tree?... Nope... Under the bushes?...Nooooo... Where are they...?"

Hugo and Rose started to giggle.

"I can hear you but I can't find you."

The giggles got louder.

"Maybe they're in the leaves?"

Joyful laughter erupted when Hermione brushed aside the uppermost leaves with magic and unearthed her children. She hugged them, "Where'd you leave Minerva?"

"She's in there silly Mummy."

With a grin Hermione unburied The Headmistress of Hogwarts. Minerva was lying on her back with a huge smile on her face, leaves in her hair and a smudge on her cheek. Eyes connected and they both began to laugh.

Minerva lifted her hand, waiting for the younger witch to take it and help her up. Hermione firmly grasped it, never contemplating that her former mentor was planning to play a trick on her. A yelp erupted from plump lips as she was pulled down into the pile of leaves.

They began to wrestle around light-heartedly. The exercise served to dispel the tension that had risen between them since their conversation on the bench. They came to a stop with Minerva pressed against Hermione, her weight pushing her down into the leaves.

Sparkling emerald met shining chocolate, Hermione knew that the ebony haired witch wanted to kiss her, knew that she wanted the animagus to kiss her. Emerald eyes were drawing closer, the feeling of Minerva's breath on hers was the sweetest thing that she could imagine. So gentle... so warm... so real... She wasn't sure if this was truly happening or something she had imagined. Hermione leaned up, her eyes falling shut as their lips brushed together for the first time.

The kiss was short, too short, before Minerva rose and held out a hand to assist Hermione. When the young woman stood she noticed that Rose was holding her camera, she grinned at her precocious daughter but said nothing.

"Eeeeew gross, kissing." Rose giggled and a disinterested Hugo asked if they could make him a football. Hermione complied while Minerva waved her wand to return the woodland back into its natural state.

The two women followed the playing children along the path for a few minutes without speaking. "I do not generally kiss on the first date."

"Neither do I."

"I am sorry if I moved too fast."

"You didn't, it's ok. I wanted you to kiss me."

This time it was Hermione who held out her hand and there was no hesitation when Minerva took it.

Molly fought to keep the smirk off of her face, the two witches facing her were arguably two of the most powerful women in the world and yet they were nervous of her reaction. They were both extremely dishevelled, both had leaves in their hair and they were still holding hands.

"Molly, would you mind watching the kids tonight?"

"Why do you have a hot date?"

Hermione smiled, "Dinner certainly."

"Go get them settled then."

Exchanging a smile with Minerva the brunette left the room, going to make sure that her children would be settled in the room that had once belonged to their father. They had clothes and toys at The Burrow for the occasions when they stayed with their grandparents.

Minerva waited until Hermione had left before turning urgently to her friend. "She said yes."

Molly chuckled, reaching out and brushing a smudge of dirt from an elegant cheekbone. "And what is the problem my dear?"

"I have not been on a... date in more years than I care to remember. Where should I take her? What am I supposed to do?"

"You asked her to dinner right? Would you prefer a... fancy restaurant or a picnic? Do you want somewhere quiet... intimate?" Molly smiled teasingly at her friend, knowing how alien this type of thing was to Minerva.

"Where Molly?" There was irritation in the suddenly thick Scottish brogue.

"If I decided where you should take her, it wouldn't be right. Minerva... where you decide to go on a first date is very personal, very intimate. Take her to a place that means something to you, somewhere romantic..."

Light shone in emerald eyes as a plan occurred to the older witch, along with doubt. "What if I did something... too romantic?"

"There's no such thing." The plump woman was beaming, she loved romantic novels and over the top gestures – she was dying to know what had brought sparkles to Minerva's eyes and a flush to her cheeks.

At that moment Rose clattered down the stairs, "Nanny look." She was brandishing Hermione's camera and began to show the pictures to her grandmother.

"Those are wonderful pictures, did Mummy take them?"

"Yes but I video'd."

"What did you video?" Hermione's voice rang out from the doorway where she was standing with her son.

"Come see."

They all drew closer, standing in a semi-circle behind Rose who was fumbling trying to start the playback. "Can't see." Minerva bent down and picked up Hermione's son, lifting him so that he could see the small screen. Molly watched them with a smile, the way that The Headmistress interacted with her grandchildren was heart-warming – it was natural and unforced.

Together they all watched Hermione and Minerva wrestling in the leaves while Rose and Hugo laughed and threw leaves on top of them. Molly felt a sudden sharp stab of pain when she saw the two women kiss but it quickly faded.

"Nanny, will you help us make cakes tonight?"

"Wiv chocwit?"

Molly laughed at her grandchildren, she loved having them to stay – it made her and Arthur feel young. They had lost two sons, with the rest of their children married and living far away The Burrow felt empty and lonely. "Of course, we'll make chocolate cake with chocolate chips, chocolate cream filling and chocolate icing."

Hermione and Minerva looked at each other, identical expressions of disgust on their faces. The kids however were overjoyed and rushed to the larder to start gathering ingredients. "Ok guys, we're off now."

There was silence from the children as they continued to rummage and Hermione repeated her words. "Bye." Came the distracted response from her kids and the young witch shook her head with a wry smile. She thanked Molly and gave the older woman a hug, grateful for everything she had done and was doing.

Hermione heard the familiar pop of apparation as Minerva arrived in her small garden. She grinned as a glance at the clock told her that the always punctual witch, was in fact early. Grabbing a small handbag she let herself out of the flat and walked down the short alley to her garden.

"Minerva I..." Words failed her as she looked at The Headmistress, a long elegant gown clung to a shapely frame and unbound ebony hair fell to her waist. "You look..."

"I believe that is the first time I have ever seen you speechless."

They stood silently for a few minutes both admiring the view. "Where are you taking me?" Hermione deliberately let a hint of 'damsel in distress' lace her words, knowing that it would make Minerva smile.

In silent answer the older witch extended her hand, the grin on her face was daring. Taking up the challenge Hermione took it. "Close your eyes." She did so and gritted her teeth as she felt the familiar sensation of side-along apparation.

When Minerva asked her to open her eyes, it was not without trepidation that Hermione complied. Air escaped her lungs with an audible gasp.

"Surprise."

That was an understatement, they were on a small platform high up in the Eifel Tower with a panoramic view of the most romantic city on earth. The lights of the bustling metropolis below them were breathtakingly stunning. A hand slid onto the small of Hermione's back as Minerva stepped closer and leant on the railing beside her.

"Minerva... this is wonderful."

"I wondered if perhaps it would be... too much?"

"No this is amazing... Thank you."

"Thank you for saying yes." Minerva's hand took Hermione's arm and led her towards a small round bistro table. It was laid with real silver cutlery, silk napkins and candles. Ever the 'gentleman' the Headmistress pulled out the chair for the younger witch. Unaccustomed to such chivalry Hermione smiled warmly at her companion.

The hair on the nape of the brunettes neck prickled, she could sense the magic that had made this possible. Reaching out for a crystal wineglass filled with a deep red liquid, Hermione locked chocolate eyes on Minerva's. "Concealment charm?"

"And a warming charm. I must confess that I enjoy being comfortable at my age."

"You aren't that old."

"Sometimes I feel positively ancient."

A chuckle answered that sentiment, "I know the feeling."

At that moment there was a small pop announcing the appearance of a house-elf dressed in the Hogwarts uniform. "Headmistress... Mrs Weasley, I have broughts your menu's." He handed them both an elegant leather folder, bearing the Gryffindor coat of arms before disappearing.

The younger witch smiled nostalgically, remembering S.P.E.W. Years of living in the Wizarding World had accustomed her to the presence of the creatures but she had never fully accepted their role in society. "Kari works at Hogwarts, she kindly consented to serve us today."

Hermione smiled, touched that Minerva remembered. "Do you have elves of your own?"

"No. I am so rarely home that I do not require them."

"Tell me about your home." The brunette found herself dying to learn more about this woman who had captivated her attention. "I must confess that I am curious about the Minerva McGonagall I have seen in the last few days."

Minerva took a sip of wine. "I own a large house in the Trossachs." She smiled at the slightly confused look on the face of the younger woman. "The mountains. My home is in a sheltered position in an isolated valley. There is a small brook running past the house, through the herb garden. I like to sit there in the evening, watching the sun go down listening to the water running over the rocks, smelling the heather." There was a faraway look on her face as she remembered, "It has the most amazing view over the hills."

"It sounds wonderful."

"I would love for you to see it."

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"There is ample room for children to run around."

A full smile spread across the young womans full lips. "They would love to visit."

"And you?"

A wineglass was raised in acknowledgement, in answer. Smiles were exchanged before they turned their attention finally back to the menus. Ordering was simple for those accustomed to feasts at the castle, Hermione simply spoke to her plate and food appeared – cooked to perfection as always. For several minutes they chatted about inconsequential things, loving the way that they could interact.

"Have you received the results of your last exam yet?" Minerva spoke while cutting her steak, half an eye on the younger witch.

"Not yet but I don't anticipate a problem."

"A second level mastery at your age is impressive."

"I want to get the third level next year."

"What are your plans for the future? I cannot see you remaining as a legal assistant in the long-term."

"I have been 'promised' a series of roles within the ministry but ideally I would like to go into charms research. Perhaps working in the private sector or for myself. But..." Hermione paused.

"But you have to ensure that your children are taken care of before you make any risky decisions."

"Working for the ministry is stable if nothing else. Molly has offered to help out but they have little enough in any case and she does more than enough for us."

Minerva laid her hand on top of Hermione's, wanting to express that she would always be there for the younger woman and her family but knowing that it was far too soon to make that kind of gesture. It seemed however that the brunette understood the unspoken words, chocolate eyes shone brightly with emotion before returning to gaze on her meal.

The Headmistress took that time to devour the younger woman with her eyes. Hermione was wearing an elegant pencil skirt that showcased her long shapely thighs, revealing an ample amount of skin to Minerva's gaze. A dark red blouse contrasted vividly with mahogany curls and pale skin. "You look wonderful."

Full lips parted in a wide knowing smile.

Minerva couldn't help her next actions; she leant across the table and brushed her lips against Hermione's in a soft, gentle kiss.

The two women were walking down the road towards Hermione's flat hand in hand. They were unwilling to relinquish the contact between them, while a new sensation it felt natural. The light mist of rain was refreshing, the chill of the evening air – invigorating, in short they felt like two women in love. The closer they drew to the flat, the slower that their footsteps became but finally they could dawdle no longer.

"Would you... like to come in for a nightcap?"

Eager emerald green eyes shone with joy at the question, "I would like that."

Hermione returned the smile before turning to the door. She twisted her key in the lock and brushed her wand against the wood, Minerva grinned at the curious mix of muggle and magical security. The young woman touched the light switch and the hall was filled with inviting electric light.

"Come on in."

Minerva stepped into a short hallway, her shoes loud on the hardwood floor. Curiously she looked around her; there were coats and wellington boots neatly arranged on hooks and shelves, strange vehicles with wheels and pedals were lined up against the other wall. The younger witch interrupted her reverie, "I have wine, butterbeer or I think that there's some firewhiskey in the depths of the cupboard."

"Wine would be wonderful."

Hermione walked into the kitchen, "Red or white?"

Minerva followed, looking around in wonder at the muggle appliances. "Mmmm white?"

The chestnut haired witch placed a hand on Minerva's hip, using the leverage to edge past the older woman and towards the fridge. She opened the door and pulled out the bottle, realising when she turned that Minerva was staring inside with a bemused expression. Sometimes she forgot the lack of knowledge that most pure-bloods had about simple muggle devices.

"I use magic for most things but some muggle inventions make life much easier."

Minerva nodded, "Especially for the children."

Hermione agreed opening a cupboard and grabbing two crystal wine glasses. "It is easier for them until they are of age, plus I want them to know and understand their muggle heritage." She handed the glasses to Minerva, "Shall we take this into the other room?"

The Headmistress followed Hermione into a comfortable sitting room; a cream carpet and neutral walls showcased carefully chosen furniture and fabrics. A series of toy boxes lined one wall, they stuffed with all manner of muggle and wizarding toys. The young mother immediately placed the wine bottle on the coffee table and began to tidy up.

"Hermione... do not worry about that, come and sit with me."

Minerva was sitting on the sofa, relaxed against the seat cushion – suddenly the confident woman that Hermione remembered once again. "I just..." The young woman shook her head.

"'Lived in' is not a bad thing." An elegant hand patted the seat cushion beside her prompting a laugh. Hermione got up and poured them both a glass of wine, "This is nice." The older woman indicated the room with her hand.

"I redecorated the whole flat last year when we moved in. It was a new start for the three of us, there were far too many memories in our old place."

Minerva nodded understandingly, "Rose and Hugo seem to have adapted very well."

"Rose had a bad time at first but in honesty Hugo was too young to understand."

"And you?"

"The first few months were almost unbearable. Molly and Arthur put aside their own grief and helped – they were a great comfort to me."

Minerva reached out and compassionately put her hand on Hermione's, squeezing gently. The conversation moved gradually onto other things but they remained touching. When The Headmistress left the room to get another bottle of wine she returned to the sofa but sat far closer than she had before.

Hermione smiled when she felt the length of Minerva's muscular thigh pressing against hers. She surprised the older woman by placing her hand on the shapely leg. "Have I mentioned that your dress is wonderful?"

She chuckled throatily in response, "No you neglected to mention it, unless of course drooling is considered a compliment?"

"Only in certain circles." A flush made its way across Hermione's pretty features.

"I know that it must be a shock when you are used to seeing me in formal robes... but I do have a figure."

The flush spread, "I noticed that this morning when you were wearing jeans." The young woman paused, "You are rather different outside of... formal occasions."

"Did you expect me to remain Professor McGonagall in private?"

"No but I am finding Minerva to be a wonderful surprise."

"Well in that case... I am full of surprises." Emerald green eyes twinkled as the two women began to banter and flirt.

"I'll say."

A gentle hand fell onto Hermione's thigh caressing lightly for a moment. Mocha eyes followed the movement before flicking up to Minerva's mouth, the young woman licked her lips in an unconscious invitation.

Full lips parted under the intensity of Minerva's kiss...

Tongues met for the first time, danced against each other...

Breath mingled...

Hermione's hand slid into silky greying hair, pulling her tighter...

Minerva's elegant fingers slipped into the back of her shirt, feeling flushed young skin...

The passionate kiss faltered as the need to breathe became urgent. The two women held each other for a long timeless moment. "You are the most amazing kisser Hermione."

"You aren't so bad yourself."

They spent the next few hours on the sofa talking and kissing. While the contact may have felt easy and natural they were both mentally aware that this was their first date – that intellectual awareness kept them from going too far. Time passed quickly in good company and it was soon midnight.

"I would like to see you again." Lips brushed Hermione's knuckles in a formal yet intimate gesture.

"Are you free next weekend?"

"No... I have to work." Elegant brows drew together in a frown, "Unless... do you and the children have plans for dinner tomorrow?"

"Nothing planned." Hermione smiled radiantly, the invitation for her and the children was a welcome surprise.

"Rose has been telling me about a hovel... or perhaps it was a shack where they sell pizza...?"

It was the brunette's turn to frown. "Huh?"

"Or perhaps it was a... hut."

"Oh...Pizza Hut. Yes it is the kids' favourite restaurant."

"How about it?"

"You want to take us all to Pizza Hut?"