AN: Thanks for the kind words. As always, dedicated to the Butterfly.
A BROOM CALLED KITTEN
Hermione lay her head on her lover's bare chest. Gently she ran her index finger in a lazy circle around Minerva's rose colored left nipple, watching as it hardened. "Hermione..." Came a deep growl from above. Grinning, she raised her head and latched onto the nipple with her supple lips. "Ohhhhh Merlin." Came an aroused whisper. Strong, elegant fingers wound their way into her unruly chestnut mane. Hermione lavished Minerva's breast with generous kisses and well placed licks from her devilish tongue. Minerva pulled her younger lover up into a searing kiss. Rolling them over, she found herself cradled between Hermione's curvacious hips. She pressed closer, feeling Hermione's neatly trimmed dark brown curls rasp and mingle with own ebony hairs. Panting, Hermione gasped, "It just keeps getting better and better." Minerva grinned down at her love, "All we have to do is keep practicing." Hearing this, Hermione burst into raucous laughter. After a moment, Minerva joined in. As Hermione calmed down, she focused her deep brown eyes on Minerva's emerald orbs. What she saw reflected there made her heart soar with joy. "I love you." She whispered, gently caressing her lover's face. Minerva's eyes became softer still, "And I love you Kitten. They came together for a series a wet, warm, wonderful kisses.
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Minerva sighed and moved to get out of bed. She felt a soft hand on her powerful shoulder. The muscles rippled under the silky skin. "Where are you going?" Her lover inquired, rolling to the edge of the bed. Hermione watched as Minerva pulled on her tartan robe. Hiding an incredibly gorgeous, muscular, toned and very sexy body. "And it's all mine!" She mused, not aware that she'd said it outloud. Hearing this, Minerva smirked. "We need to get moving, I want to get to the Manor before dark." Hearing this, Hermione crawled out of bed asking, "You never told me how we are going to get there?" Minerva grinned, "You'll see." Hermione rolled her eyes. Sometimes her woman was too mysterious, but then again, that mystery was part of her charm... still it WAS frustrating sometimes!
They dressed for traveling. Hermione donning her muggle jeans, a soft t-shirt and a jacket. Minerva chose khaki trousers and a tartan print flannel shirt. She repacked her trunk and bags, then shrunk them. Hermione reached down, picked them up and placed them in her purse with her own items. Minerva eyed the purse and asked, "Do you have a shoulder strap for that?" Hermione nodded, opening the bag and pulling out the strap. Minerva nodded approvingly, "Put it over your shoulder cross wise. You're going to need both hands." With that, she turned on her heel, grabbing a traveling cloak from the rack by the door. Hermione stood there wondering what the hell she was in for. Minerva gestured for the younger witch to follow her. Hermione complied, trotting after her lover. Closing and warding the door.
Hermione followed Minerva out to the quiddich pitch. "Minerva?" She asked curiously. Minerva turned to her grinning. Then she shouted, "Accio Kitten!" There was a rumble in the school's broom shed, then the door burst open and a black Nimbus 2007 flew out and over to the two witches. Minerva stroked the shaft of the ebony broom lovingly. "Hermione, meet Kitten." The young witch's eyes widened as she realized what Minerva intended. "Are we... are you... we're flying?" She was frightened. Minerva saw this. It was the reason she wanted to fly. Hermione needed to get over her fear of flying. Gently, Minerva stroked her lover's cheek. "Sweetheart, it will be alright. You'll be in front and I'll be right behind you." She smiled at her love, trying to reassure her, "I won't let you fall... I promise." Hermione gazed into the earnest eyes of her mentor, friend and lover. "I believe you." Minerva knew how deeply profound that statement was and she treasured the trust her young love had in her. She would not let her down. Climbing onto the beautiful and sleek broom, she slid back a bit and motioned for Hermione to climb on in front of her. Hermione reached out and unbound Minerva's hair. At the older witch's questioning look, she said, "I bet it looks fantastic flowing in the breeze." Minerva grinned and helped Hermione climb onto the broom. Once onboard, Hermione turned to her lover and asked, "Why did you name it Kitten?" Minerva grinned, her emerald eyes dancing impishly as she replied, "So when I ride it, I'm reminded of riding you." Hermione gasped in astonishment, her eyes widening at her lover's sass.
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Filius Flitwick stood at the top of Ravenclaw tower smoking his pipe. He loved to watch the sunset this way. Something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He turned to watch two witches on a broom over the quiddich pitch. They were doing lazy circles around the perimeter, slowly rising in altitude. The witch in front was leaning into the witch in the back. The latter's long black hair streaming out behind her. "Wait a minute." He mumbled. Long black hair?? "Holy Merlin, that's Minerva and Hermione Granger!!" He stuttered to himself, surprised and somehow not. He'd long suspected something was going on between the two of them. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw Hermione turn her head and Minerva lean down and kiss her. Just as they passed in front of the setting sun. Filius felt a tear trickle down his small cheek. He'd never witnessed a more beautiful sight. Two lovely witches gliding effortlessly through the reds, oranges and golds of a spectacular summer sunset. They made a heart stoppingly beautiful silouette. "I'll ask Albus if I can store this memory in his pensieve. It would make a beautiful picture and a lovely gift for them." Putting out his pipe, he went to find the headmaster.
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Hermione held onto the broom's shaft, like she'd seen Harry do so many times before. She felt Minerva's arms around her, keeping her safe. The countryside flew past them. Not so fast as to not see what they were passing mind you. Minerva made sure to control the broom's speed so Hermione could enjoy the trip. She watched her love as she took in the scenery. There was a look of such peace on her beautiful face that Minerva just wanted to cry. She leaned down and nuzzled her love's neck. "What are you thinking?" Hermione turned her head to face her lover. "The muggle philosopher, Aristotle once said, "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." I believe I understand what he meant." Minerva felt a tear meandering down her cheek at the heartfelt words spoken by the love of her life. Ducking her head slightly, she whispered, "I love you so very much." Hermione's eyes lit with an inner glow. A glow created by an unstoppable truth. A love so powerful that it crossed a sixty year age gap, survived four stunners, triumped over Voldemorte and passed the test of time. "You're the one for me Hermione." Minerva stated gazing into her lover's deep chocolate brown eyes. Hermione smiled softly. She leaned against her lover and rested her head on Minerva's shoulder. Reaching up, she caressed the finely chisled cheek and jaw of her lover. "You're the only one for me." Minerva gently pressed a kiss to Hermione's forehead. "I love you Minerva Mia McGonagall." The young witch stated firmly. Minerva chuckled, "And I love you Hermione Jean Granger..." She paused, "In fact, I recall a muggle song I heard years ago that so reminds me of you..." Hermione smiled, "Really? Sing it for me?" Minerva looked at her love in surprise, "I uh... don't sing very well." Hermione frowned, "Rubbish. I've heard you sing in the shower and you have a lovely voice." Affonted, Minerva gasped, "You weren't supposed to be listening!" Hermione grinned, "Too bad... please sing the song that reminds you of me... please?" She gazed up at her lover with "puppy dog" eyes. Minerva snorted, "Oh bother. You know I can't say "no" to you..." She cleared her thought and began her tune...
Jean, Jean. Roses are red,
all the leaves have gone green.
And the clouds are so low,
you can touch them and so,
come out to the meadow.. Jean
Jean, Jean. You're young and alive.
Come out of your half dreamed dream.
And run if you will,
to the top of the hill.
Open your arms bonny Jean.
Til the sheep in the valley come home my way,
til the stars fall around me and find me alone.
When the sun comes a singin,
I'll still be waitin'.
For Jean, Jean. Roses are red,
and all of the leaves have gone green.
While the hills are a blaze,
with the moon's yellow haze.
Come into my arms bonny Jean.
Jean, Jean. You're young and alive.
Come out of your half dreamed dream.
And run if you will,
to the top of the hill.
Come into my arms bonny Jean.
Jean...La da-da da da-da da da-da da da...
Minerva hummed the last bit, gazing at her lover whose beautiful face was awash with crystal tears running freely down her soft cheeks. "Oh Tabby... that was beautiful." She placed soft kisses on Minerva's neck and cheek. Minerva choked up a bit. Clearing her throat she pulled Hermione closer to her. Hermione leaned her head back on Minerva's shoulder and closed her eyes. "How much longer?" She questioned, not opening her eyes. She finally realized why Harry loved flying so much. It was liberating. A feeling of ultimate freedom, even with Minerva's arms around her. The older witch smiled saying, "Look down." Hermione opened her eyes and looked down. Seeing a huge stretch of water she asked, "What is that?" Minerva inclined her head towards the massive body of water, "That's Loch Shastia, it's twin is about ten kilometers farther north, Loch Shivon. Both Lochs border McGonagall Manor. They're named for my ancestors Shastia and Shivon McGonagall." Hermione's face took on a fascinated expression. Minerva had her full attention. Smiling, she continued, "The sisters were engaged to two brothers, Ian and Owen MacLeod. They were killed in battle fighting Robert the Bruce. The legend has it that the sisters wept so many tears that they created the twin lochs. When they were finished filling them, the sisters cast themselves under. Never to be seen again." Minerva paused, listening... A faint wailing echo could be heard below them. "Listen." She instructed her love. Hermione concentrated hard. She could hear a faint ethereal song-like sound echoing up to them. "That would be Shastia, this is her loch... in a few minutes we'll be over Shivon. Listen hard." Hermione nodded and focused her hearing down.
Moments later, they passed over Loch Shivon and again Hermione caught an eerie, otherworldly sound. Like a song with no words. Notes that tugged at her heart. Minerva pointed the broom downward. "Where are we going?" Hermione asked, slightly alarmed. "It's alright. There's a family legend that when true lovers touch one of the lochs the sister's song changes. If it becomes joyous, then the lovers receive a blessing from Shastia and Shivon... if not... well then the union will not last." Minerva was deadly serious as she said this. She knew in her heart that Hermione was the one, but her aunts would want proof. The older witch maneuvered the broom to the surface of the water, just so their feet skimmed the surface. Hermione held her breath and Minerva closed her eyes whispering, "Please..."
There was silence.
A stillness, as if the world had stopped to listen.
A moment passed and then another...
Suddenly a note was heard... a single note. Then another, and another till finally a glorious noise enraptured the entire loch valley. A glorious, soul rending, joyous noise that caused the older witch to exhale mightily and the younger witch to throw her arms around Minerva's neck. "I'll love you forever." Hermione whispered into her lover's ear...
-to be continued
AN: Minerva's song was written and recorded by Oliver in 1969. Just goes to show you how old I really am. Erk! Sappiness aside, let me know what you think... and remember y'all, be nice.