Chapter 4:

Hermione broke Ron's heart when she turned his marriage proposal down but they still remained friends. Eleven years had come and gone. She now worked for the ministry of magic, she kept herself very busy. Sometimes she felt she was leading a lonely life, at other times she realized she enjoyed the solitude. She tried her best to stay in contact with Harry, Ginny and Ron. Her friends went out of their way to get her out of her house periodically and away from work.

There was a knock at her office door. "Come in." She said without looking up from her desk. "Hey," She heard as the door opened. It was Harry. She saw him often at work. "Hey!" She said with a smile as she stood up to hug him. "What a lovely surprise."

"I was just swinging by to remind you about the gathering at Molly's tonight." Harry said sticking his hands in his pockets. He had already reminded her twice about it. "I'm sorry, I just feel like I'm bothering you with it. I know you're busy but we all would love you see you there."

"I'll be there Harry, I promise!" She said as a smile played across her lips.

"Everyone's coming," He said excited. "Pretty much everyone from the old order, friends, and family also. There might be a few new faces but it will be fun. I already told Molly you're coming so-"

Hermione playfully smacked Harry's arm. "I'll be there. I promise." She said scooting him out of her office. "I'll see you tonight."


She made sure to finish up her work early but she was still late arriving at the Burrow. It was dark outside as she walked up to the home. Candles lit her path. She could hear music and laughter as she got closer. She followed the path to the back of the house. They had set up a large tent in the grass which usually happened at the Burrow for larger gatherings. The house already at capacity with Molly and Authors children and grandchildren during the holidays and could not handle additional family and friends for larger gatherings.

"Hermione!" She heard Ginny yell as she walked into the tent. Her eyes darted around looking for her but it was so crowded she couldn't spot Ginny. "Hey, over here!" She heard to her left. She looked in the direction of the voice and saw a hand waving over the crowd. Hermione pushed her way over. "How are you?" Ginny asked as she hugged her. "I'm great! I'm just very tired from work." Hermione said running her hands through her own hair. "Here, have some wine." Ginny said pushing a glass of red wine into Hermione's hand. "This will help." Ginny said with a smile.

She walked around with the red head talking with old friends and making new friends. Hermione was enjoying herself. She was surprised. When she was leaving work earlier that day she was trying to think of an excuse to leave early. She had come up with a good one but now it was far from her mind.

She was on her third glass of wine watching Ron dance with niece when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

She turned around, green eyes met brown. Minerva hadn't aged a day.

"You look beautiful." Minerva said leaning forward whispering in Hermione's ear. This sent an all too familiar chill down the younger girl's spine. She had seen the older woman a few times over the years but it had always been in passing. "Thank you," She replied as a blush crept up her cheeks. "You look beautiful yourself." Hermione lent in to give Minerva a hug. As they embraced memories flooded into her mind. The class room. The touch. The kiss. Those kisses. She breathed in Minerva's scent; it was the same, so familiar. When they pulled apart she could feel her heart ache to be closer.

"Can we talk?" Minerva asked taking one of Hermione's hands. "In a more private place?" She said looking around at the crowd then back to the curly haired woman. Hermione nodded. The older woman still holding her hand pulled her through the crowd. As they left the tent entering into the safety of the night Minerva intertwined their fingers.

"It's been too long." Minerva whispered as they walked around the Burrow. They found a safe place in the shadow of a nook on the outside of the house. Hermione pulled the older woman closer. Forehead against forehead. She never thought they would have another moment like this. She looked up to the taller woman. Minerva smiled as she leaned forward gently kissing the curly haired woman. The kiss was soft at first but quickly turned passionate. Hermione ran her hands over Minerva's body, feeling her waste, her hips. Minerva did the same, memorizing every curve, every dip in the younger woman's body.

They took a few steps together further into the nook. Minerva was against the wall. Hermione cupped her face and smiled as she realized her heart no longer ached. Minerva placed a soft kiss on her lips, and then moved down her jaw line, kissing her neck. The younger woman tilted her head inviting her in. Their bodies pressed closer, hips touching, bodies aching for more.

"This is next time." Minerva whispered.