Chapter 2
The beginning of the new term brought a few interesting changes for the students at Hogwarts which they were blissfully unaware of. After the arrival of the first years Professor Dumbledore called for silence to make the announcements regarding the changes at Hogwarts.
"Before we start with the feast to welcome our newest additions to each house and welcome back our seasoned students there are a few announcements to make." He had everybody's attention by now. The students were eager to know what it was they had to expect this year.
"First of all, please welcome our new teacher for Defence against the Dark Arts."
All heads turned towards the large door at the end of the Great Hall. When it opened to reveal the person in question there were quite a few gasps to be heard from the students as well as the teachers. Siobhan Donaghue took long strides to join Albus at the head of the hall and was welcomed with a warm hug from the wise old wizard. Minerva tried her best to not stare but couldn't help admire her wife's form. She looked beautiful in her muggle attire under her black teaching robes. Her light blue eyes seemed to glow and her pale skin appeared almost translucent. Siobhan moved with a cat like gracefulness Minerva would never get tired of watching.
The Daywalker stood next to Dumbledore who raised his hand to silence the muttering on the tables below.
"Some of you might have recognised her already. Professor Siobhan Donaghue will be your new teacher against the dark arts. Furthermore it gives me great pleasure to inform you that she is the legally wedded wife of our most revered and admired teacher for Transfiguration."
Most of the Gryffindors had been informed in advance and cheered at the Headmaster's words. Shouting their congratulations and giving standing ovations for their Head of House and her spouse.
Professor McGonagall sat stock still when the cheers from her Gryffindors erupted, feeling slightly embarrassed but touched by their acceptance of her marital status. There was no doubt in her mind who was responsible for this heart-warming display on her behalf and she would find a way to show her appreciation one way or the other. What was even more surprising though was that the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs joined in their cheers. Only the Slytherins were brooding at their table. Minerva sighed, not that she had expected anything less from them. She was sure Mr Malfoy was already thinking of a way to pay her his disrespect and she would take great pleasure in putting him into his place for it. Some things never change.
Her colleagues recovered quickly from their initial shock and congratulated the couple warmly. They also had a lot of questions which both of them promised to answer in all good time. Dumbledore resigned to the fact that his other, less pleasant, news had to be delivered tomorrow for tonight was there to celebrate. With a clap of his hands he let the feast begin which soon had everybody delightfully engaged in their meal and happy chatter.
"Your Gryffindors are something else, my love. I have to give you that." Siobhan smiled at Minerva as she covered her wife's hand with her own.
"Yes, well, they did seem to take it better than I expected", Minerva's cheeks had a rosy tint. She had been anxious but now she realised it had been completely unfounded. Her cubs were indeed a wonderful bunch.
After their feast Dumbledore asked the staff to join him in the teacher's lounge for a glass of champagne to celebrate the recently reunited couple and give everybody time to take in the news and get a few of their questions answered. It was a short lived gathering for every head of the house had to make sure the new students were safe and sound where they belonged or find those who got lost on their first night at Hogwarts.
When they had gathered some of the lost sheep and guided them to their destination, the teachers retired to their quarters. Minerva and Siobhan stood in front of the Gryffindor common room ready to face the crowd and thank them for their support. They stepped through the portrait to find everybody already waiting in eager anticipation. Professor McGonagall looked into their youthful faces, finding nothing but open affection there.
She gently cleared her throat, "I meant to thank you all for your very outspoken support which was way more than I could have hoped for. I am proud of you. Thank you, all of you. But I have to warn you, this will not change a thing. Detentions are still part of the repertoire as well as other means of punishment should you dishonour the House of Gryffindor through your behaviour."
A groan went through the crowd at her strict words but McGonagall could tell it was mostly for show because they wouldn't expect anything less from her. Her punishments were always fair and square, as well as rightfully deserved. She was more surprised though when the Weasley twins stepped forward with something wrapped in shiny red and gold paper with the Gryffindor lion on it.
"Professor we wanted to give you something", George handed her the rectangular shaped gift, "it is from all of us. A late wedding gift, so to speak."
"Thank you, Mr Weasley. All of you." Minerva was flustered at their thoughtfulness.
"It is all right if you open it later." Fred added with a wink.
Minerva found an envelope under the bow and slipped it out before she handed the gift to her wife. She carefully broke the seal and read the card which was signed by all her cubs.
Dear Professor McGonagall,
our best wishes for you and your wife.
You have our utmost respect and admiration!
Your cubs
P.S.: You have always been there for us, now it is time to return the favour.
"I really don't know what to say." McGonagall looked at their sincere faces, knowing they meant what they said in their card and it warmed her heart. She was very proud of them. It was then the bond between the lioness and her cubs became stronger than ever before. They knew she always expected very much of them but never more than she herself was ready to give. Although she may have never been the touchy, feely type of person every single one of them knew that they could always count on her. She would fight tooth and nail for them if she thought injustice had been done. Her door was always open if they needed someone to talk to and this would never change.
"Oh, yes, there is something. Don't stay up too long! Good night!"
"Good night, Professor!"
Minerva put the gift on her bedside table to open it after preparing for bed. Siobhan was brewing some tea and when Minerva slipped between the sheets a cup of green tea was already waiting for her. Her wife changed into her sleepwear and joined her. Minerva put the gift into her lap; she opened the paper and gasped when she saw the content. It was a picture, taken when she and her wife had been in the library the day after Siobhan's return the other night. She was lying on the sofa with her head in her wife's lap and Siobhan's head was bent, kissing her brow.
"Cheeky boys!" The vampire smirked at the image, running her finger over the hand-carved wooden frame. Form the corner of her eyes she could see Minerva's flustered expression but there was also something soft about her as she looked intently at the image.
"They mean well, love. It wasn't given out of malice but affection."
"I know", Minerva nodded, "I simply don't know if they should see me like this."
"Are you ashamed?" Siobhan sounded hurt.
"Of course not!" Minerva put her hand against her wife's cheek. "Professor McGonagall is just so different from the woman in this picture."
"But she is still the same person." Her wife objected as she covered the hand on her cheek. "If anything their respect and love for you has grown significantly."
"We'll see."
Minerva put the picture on her bedside table and snuggled under the cover, wrapped warmly and securely in her wife's arms as she drifted off to sleep.
Professor McGonagall was smoothing down her robes on her way to breakfast in the Great Hall when she rounded a corner and ran into Professor Trelawney.
"Sibyl, for goodness sake!" Minerva caught herself by gripping one of the other woman's shawls which prevented her from falling flat on her bum.
"Sorry, Minerva", Trelawney mumbled apologetically, "I am afraid I was preoccupied."
"Do say!" McGonagall rolled her eyes.
"Yes. Are the rumours true then?"
"What rumours, Sibyl?" Why was it not possible for the woman to ask a question flat out? Her constant need for sounding mysterious was rather tiresome.
"The Daywalker is here and she is married to you."
"Yes on both accounts." Minerva confirmed with a smile tugging on her lips. Sibyl, for all her silly behaviour, was a decent woman and had always been a good friend to Siobhan. Minerva never really knew how they had met or why her wife was so fond of the Divination teacher but she had a soft spot for her.
"This is good, very good", Sibyl muttered and looked at McGonagall with wide eyes. Minerva had no patience for her craft, she thought it a waste of time but she was always fair. Sibyl had always appreciated this ingrained trait of Minerva's character. The fact that the older woman was married to her dearest friend warmed Sibyl's heart.
"Why don't you accompany me to breakfast, Sibyl?" Minerva suggest warmly.
"Oh, I don't know."
"Come on, you haven't been with us for a long time and I am sure Siobhan is already back from her stroll. She will be delighted to see you."
"Are you sure? I don't want to impose. I just could..." Trelawney trailed off when Minerva grasped her upper arms and turned her around. Forcing Sibyl to look at her through those completely ridiculous glasses she constantly wore.
"Yes. You are not. And it is time for you to leave this tower of yours to join the living." Minerva said gently. "I know that behind those glasses and underneath the many layers of clothes hides a very intelligent, compassionate and brave woman."
"I am not like you, Minerva." Sibyl whispered brokenly. "You do not believe in what I do. I can't fault you. My own mother thought it best to get rid of my silly notions."
"Your mother and my father were like two peas in a pot", McGonagall said sadly. "Don't let her win by maintaining this timid version of your true self. There is so much more to you."
"Maybe one day I will be able to. I'll try, Minerva."
"That is all I ask. Now let's have some breakfast."
Together they entered the Great Hall and found Siobhan at the table chatting amiably with Rolanda Hooch about Quidditch Her long dark hair was braided and she could see her eyes sparkle with amusement as she quarrelled with Rolanda. The vampire sensed her wife's presence and excused herself from the conversation as Minerva and Sibyl walked towards the table. She stood to hold Minerva's chair before wrapping Sibyl in a big hug which she returned unflinchingly. A very unusual thing for the Divination teacher, who was frightened of her own shadow. She usually avoided people and gatherings at all cost. This uncharacteristic behaviour raised quite a few eyebrows but Minerva was glad to see that her wife put Sibyl so at ease. The other teachers seemed to relax considerably at this display of affection.
Vampires weren't in high regard to put it mildly and Werewolves were dangerous creatures. Everybody knew about the allegations against Siobhan but Dumbledore had explained what had really happened. His assurances were one thing but to see her like this was another. Minerva could nearly grasp their change in attitude when they observed her with Sibyl. Hopefully they won't change their mind when they witnessed her wife's other side. These were dangerous times and sooner or later, Minerva was convinced, Siobhan would be forced to unchain the beast. She could only hope it would be later.
Before breakfast was over and students and teachers headed to their classes Dumbledore had to inform them of the impending visit from a Ministry official.
"Listen, please", the headmaster called for their attention, "the Ministry of Magic informed me that in two weeks' time an inspector will arrive to observe lessons and take a closer look at the administration of our school. I ask the students to be at their best behaviour and the teachers to observe diligently the discipline. Now, off you go. Make sure to be on time for your first lesson of this term."
The students scattered from the Hall while the teachers remained in their seats hoping for Dumbledore to elaborate what was going on.
"Albus what is this nonsense?" Professor McGonagall asked without preamble. She was annoyed by this intrusion.
"I am afraid it is not, my dear Minerva", Albus sighed dejectedly. "Cornelius is quite keen on this and for the time being we have to allow it. He has the backup from the board and we all know that some of its members would like to see a few changes."
"If this is about me, teaching at Hogwarts, I can leave, Albus", Siobhan offered, taking hold of her wife's hand when she heard her gasp.
Dumbledore looked over the rim of his glasses, smiling softly at the woman. "It is not that simple, my friend. Your being here is merely a small matter. It is more about seizing control of the school as a whole. We have always been successful at maintaining our independence but now the Ministry tries to broaden its influence and that means sinking its claws into Hogwarts."
"Who is Fudge going to send?" Professor Hooch asked wearily.
"Dolores Umbridge."
Despite the impending doom, the weeks until Umbridge's arrival turned out to be pleasant. Every one of the new students was settling in and more than a few of the older ones were glad to be back again. The occasional prank by the Weasley twins was more funny than annoying, at least most of the time. Minerva was enjoying her wedded bliss, afraid though that it would end too soon with trouble looming on the horizon. Siobhan relished in having her wife by her side and used some of her free time to get reacquainted with Sibyl or explore the Dark Forrest, letting the beast roam free.
It was during breakfast when students and teachers were gathered in the Great Hall when suddenly the doors opened and a woman entered followed by a gust of cold air. Conversation stopped and all eyes turned at the newcomer.
"Here she comes", the vampire muttered sarcastically under her breath.
"Goodness", Minerva heard Sibyl mumble next to her, "I had no idea a single person could wear so much pink."
Minerva snorted. Sibyl wasn't exactly known for her sense of style either but she had to admit that even though the Divination teacher wore the most atrocious outfits at time, nothing she has ever put on hurt the eye as much as what they were forced to look at now.
"It is definitely something that needs getting used to", Minerva agreed under her breath.
"Good morning, Headmaster", Dolores Umbridge greeted with a sickly sweet voice.
"Dolores", Albus inclined his head, "why don't you follow me to my office while my staff continues with their lessons."
"Of course."
Albus preceded her out of the Great Hall, leaving his stunned staff behind. One by one they slowly rose to their feet to go to their respective classrooms. Minerva was halfway out of the door when she looked over her shoulder and realised that Sibyl still sat stock still in her chair. She grabbed her wife's arm.
"What is it, love?"
"You are free for the time being, aren't you, darling?"
"Yes." Siobhan caught a glimpse of her friend at the table, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. "I'll take over for you, don't worry. Go, talk to her. Right now she needs your strength and no-nonsense attitude more than the understanding of a good friend." She leaned down, gently brushing her lips over Minerva's before she turned and headed towards the Transfiguration classroom.
Minerva sighed as watched Sibyl for some time from the doorway. The other woman was wringing her hands before she let her head fall into her hands. Sybil was distraught and frightened to death. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt a hand on her shoulder but relaxed instantly when she heard Minerva's soothing voice, trying to calm her.
"Easy, it is just me." The older witch rubbed calming circles on her back and Sibyl felt her breathing return to normal. She took off her glasses and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Sorry, Minerva. I am just an old basket case", the Divination teacher muttered ruefully.
Minerva sighed again, "I wish you wouldn't constantly put yourself down like that."
"Why not? That's what everybody else thinks anyway, even the students. Even you."
The younger witch looked hopefully into emerald eyes, hoping against hope that she was wrong. She saw a slight trace of hurt in Minerva's gaze and regretted her words immediately.
"That is not what I think and certainly not what I see when I look at you", Minerva shook her head at the younger woman. "I see the young, wide eyed, curious girl who was sorted into my House but never felt worthy."
"I wasn't", Sibyl shook her head vehemently.
Minerva finally lost her patience with the other woman's constant self-incrimination. She gently grabbed her chin and turned her head to make her look into her eyes.
"Sibyl Trelawney you have always been worthy of being a Gryffindor and don't you dare let anybody tell you otherwise. I know that deep down you possess the braveness and strength required of all of my cubs. When the time comes I am certain you will remember it and the Sibyl I know you can be will make herself known."
"Thank you, Minerva", Sibyl sniffed. "I wish I could be as convinced as you are."
"Well, I think in the meantime I will have enough conviction for the both of us", the Transfiguration teacher stated confidently before she shooed her out of the Great Hall to start the first lesson of the day.
The presence and constant scrutiny of the Umbridge woman put an awful stress on the staff. Even Minerva felt herself being more short-tempered than usual. Although she should be mad as hell she couldn't help herself but silently cheer at the Weasley twins' attempts to make Dolores' life harder any chance they got. She only wished Harry could rein his temper and would stop aggravating the toad any more than necessary. Even her wife was slowly reaching the end of her patience. Minerva felt a headache coming so she took off her glasses to massage her temples.
"Let me give you a thorough massage, dearest", she heard Siobhan's voice from the doorway of her office.
"That sounds wonderful. Why don't we retire to our private chambers?"
"Why not, indeed?" Siobhan held out her hand at her wife, Minerva readily took it. Together they left the office and climbed the stairs to their private rooms where a cosy fire was crackling in the living room. Siobhan waved her wand and transformed their sofa, making it larger so they had enough room for what she intended to be an evening of passion and seduction. She took hold of Minerva's outer robes and eased them down her shoulders. With a flick of her wand she sent them to a hook by the door. Then she took a step towards her wife to wrap her arms around Minerva's waist from behind. Siobhan smiled when she felt her wife lean back into the embrace, letting her head fall on her shoulder as she closed her eyes feeling the headache slowly fade already. Minerva had missed this, she had missed her wife, the peace and closeness as the last few weeks had been awfully strenuous for both of them.
"I've missed us", Minerva said, when she felt Siobhan nuzzle the soft skin of her throat and tightening the hold around her waist.
"So have I." The vampire started to unbutton the black inner robes which she put over a chair. Minerva stepped out of her shoes and sat on the edge of the sofa, waiting for Siobhan to join her. With another wave of her wand the vampire finally stood in her underwear and took a seat behind her wife on the sofa. She dropped a gentle kiss to Minerva's shoulder, running her hands over her smooth skin before she carefully took out the pins that held Minerva's hair in a tight bun. The witch groaned appreciatively when her long greying hair cascaded down her back, easing the pressure on her head.
"Lie down, darling", the vampire whispered, "let me take care of you."
Minerva didn't hesitate and lay down on her stomach, her arms under her head. She closed her eyes when she felt the talented hands of her wife massaging the tense muscles of her neck and shoulders. Gently but with determination did Siobhan take care of the knots and cranks before she let her hands move down further. She caressed Minerva's back, opening the clasp of her bra, getting rid of it. Siobhan leaned down, her long hair brushing against Minerva's hot skin as she kissed every inch of scarred skin on her wife's back. The witch groaned feeling those soft lips on her marred flesh. It never ceased to amaze Minerva how somebody as strong and powerful as her wife could be so infinitely tender and gentle in her ministrations. Her touch always evoked pleasure never pain. Siobhan didn't shrink back from the imperfections of her body, which made Minerva love her even more. Gentle hands trailed down her sides and when they reached her hips, they carefully slid the witch's knickers down her legs.
"Turn around, my love", the vampire commanded softly. Minerva did as her wife asked, green eyes finding blue ones and the love they held for her nearly took her breath away.
"I love you."
"I love you, too." Siobhan answered, capturing her wife's lips in a passionate kiss. Minerva's hands glided in raven hair, holding the woman above her in place. She moaned when she felt their skin touch. Siobhan left Minerva's mouth trailing her lips over her cheek, kissing her closed eye lids, her forehead, down her temple and the side of her throat. She let her tongue gently trail down Minerva's neck, savouring the taste of the witch's skin, fuelling the passion she felt for her wife. She kissed Minerva's collarbone, down to her breastbone before she trailed to one of the enticing breasts. Her lips closed over a puckered nipple as her tongue circled it wetly, eliciting moans from the usually restrained woman. Where Professor McGonagall was stiff, cold and distant, Minerva was warm, passionate, loving and sexy. Never had she held back when they made love. Minerva had felt safe with her to let go and it touched Siobhan tremendously that she was honoured to witness this side of her.
She made love to Minerva's breasts as long as she could before the intoxicating scent of her wife's arousal became too strong to ignore and she had to taste what was beckoning her. Siobhan slid down Minerva's body, leaving a wet trail across her stomach until she reached her destination. She nuzzled crisp grey curls, inhaling deeply the scent that was uniquely Minerva. She kissed them reverently seeking an anchor she found a searching hand before she lost herself in her lover's folds. They entwined their hands and Minerva opened her legs, inviting her lover to the place where she needed her most.
Without further delay the vampire did as she was silently asked. She let her tongue swipe over her lover's folds, finding the sensitive nub which she sucked gently before she inserted two of her fingers into her wife's wet core. The combined sensation of the talented tongue and thrusting fingers sent the witch sooner over the edge than either had anticipated. She helped her wife ride out her orgasm as the spasm slowly subsided, leaving Minerva breathing heavily with a blissful smile on her face. Siobhan gave her clit a few further licks, eliciting some minor orgasms in its wake much to their delight. When Siobhan tried to gently withdraw her fingers Minerva stopped her.
"Stay a little longer, please. I love the feel of you inside of me." The witch asked huskily. The vampire did just that lying down beside her wife to kiss her thoroughly letting her taste herself on her lips.
"I love to be inside of you", Siobhan whispered, summoning a blanket to put it over their sweating bodies. She laid her head next to Minerva's, nuzzling her soft hair. "Go to sleep, my love."
"But what about you?" The witch yawned.
"I am fine. Giving you pleasure is my greatest joy and pleasure as well."
Minerva closed her eyes as sleep overtook her, feeling loved and safe in her wife's arms.
TBC