A.N. This story is still entirely angst-free and as such is harder than my normal angst-ridden stories to write - in other words, sorry it has taken so long.

Now it's only a week until my love flies over. I can't wait!


"Careful Hugo!" Deftly Minerva caught the small boy when he tripped over a tree root. "Sit down and eat your lunch."

The redheaded lad sat on the blanket and crammed another sandwich into his mouth. His sister looked at him aghast and said, "Honestly Hugo!"

Minerva fought the urge to snicker, there were times when Rose reminded her so much of her mother. She sounded just like Hermione rebuking Ronald Weasley in the Great Hall at Hogwarts many years earlier. She reached into the picnic basket and took out her own sandwich.

They were sitting in a sunlit glade in the middle of a small wood, bluebells and the odd late flowering snowdrop covered the ground in a blanket of spring colours. "Nerva?"

"Yes Hugo?"

"What time's Mummy back?"

"Her exam finishes at five, so in around four hours. Are you fed up with me already?"

"No!" Two young voices chorused making Minerva smile.

They settled down for a few minutes and then Rose piped up in her 'thoughtful' voice, "Nerva?"

"Hmmmm?" Minerva swallowed the mouthful of food before she spoke, "What is wrong Rose?"

"Nuffinks wrong but we was wondering summink?"

The Headmistress closed her eyes for a moment, there was so much wrong with that sentence that she didn't even try to correct it. She placed her sandwich down on her plate, wondering if she would ever get chance to finish it. "And what were the two of you wondering?"

"Well... You love Mummy and Mummy loves you. We love you and you loves us. Mummy lets you babysits... and sleep in her room at night. We wondered if we'z fam'ly now."

"Would you like that? For the four of us to be a family?" Minerva smiled warmly at the two youngsters, she wanted more than anything else to be a part of their lives. She and Hermione had discussed making their... liaison official.

"Yeah!" Again the two children yelled in agreement.

"Well ok then."

"Really?"

Minerva smiled at them, "Yes really. I love the two of you more than anything and I would love to be part of your family."

"You loves us more than Mummy?" Hugo came to sit next to her, wrapping his arms around her upraised knee, hugging her leg.

The Headmistress absolutely adored these children, they were incredibly intelligent and truly wonderful. "I love you just as much as I love Mummy but in a different way." Minerva caught Rose as the girl threw herself into her arms. She pulled both children onto her lap for a hug as they started to talk excitedly about what they would do now that they were a family.


Hermione was tired when she got back to Minerva's house, they were staying there with the older witch for a week during the Easter holiday. She opened the door and stepped into the hall. She was about to call out when she realised how quiet it was.

The brunette started to explore, the second door she opened led into the sitting room and she stopped in surprise. All of the furniture had been moved and was draped with blankets, forming some kind of tent or fort. She heard a soft snore and knelt down on all fours so that she could stick her head under a flap.

Underneath was a small space padded with rugs and blankets, her children were asleep curled up with each other. It was very cute. There were stacks of books and drawing materials in there, along with a lantern. Hermione heard soft footsteps from behind her and wasn't surprised when a hand gently slid along her bum, caressing. She withdrew her head and looked sideways up at Minerva, responding to the older womans smirk with one of her own.

Something extremely naughty flashed through emerald eyes and Hermione felt her body respond to it, tiredness forgotten as adrenaline rushed through her. She backed out of the fort, deliberately brushing her body against the older witch. She could feel the tremble that Minerva gave in response to the deliberately provocative action.

They grinned at one another, wanting to laugh but not daring to. Minerva reached behind her for a levitating tray that she had brought from the kitchen. It carried two glasses of milk and a plate of ginger newts. Quietly she placed it inside the fort and took Hermione's hand, pulling her out of the room and closing the door behind them.

"Eager are we?"

"Well you were the one who was being provocative."

"I was bending over..." Hermione's voice was dry.

"Exactly."

They began to collapse against each other in silent laughter, clinging tightly together. When the hilarity subsided they were looking into each others eyes. "I love you Minerva."

"I love you too."

"Want to take a shower with me?"

"Thought you would never ask." They walked slowly up the stairs, pausing to exchange kisses every few seconds. Both women felt the urge to start ripping off clothing as they made their way to the bedroom but knowing that the children were downstairs, they contained their more primal instincts.

The door to Minerva's chamber was quietly but firmly shut. Still cautious they walked into the en-suite and locked that door too. Before the older witch could even think she found herself pressed against the door with five and a half feet of gorgeous curvaceous woman pressed against her. Hermione's lips were like fire, caressing an elegant jaw line and trailing down the soft skin of Minerva's neck.

Eager young hands grazed over erect nipples through the fabric of the older womans shirt. The animagus moaned at the aggressive overture. Hermione pulled off the long sleeved t-shirt that the other witch was wearing and her lips began to move lower. "Slightly randy are we my dear?"

"You started it." The young womans words were muffled, slurred against skin but they still managed to make Minerva laugh.

"So I did." The older witch pushed Hermione gently but firmly away from her skin and cast the spell that would render them both naked. Another whispered incantation started the shower and she pulled the younger woman into the cubicle.

"Aaaah cold!"

"I will warm you up." Minerva pulled the younger woman into her arms and kissed her lustily. Only seconds passed before elegant fingers slipped between Hermione's thighs. "Now where did all this wetness come from?"

"Sho...wer." The young witch had lost the ability to speak coherently due to the fact that Minerva's fingers were devilishly sliding through her folds, teasing her and driving her wild.

A very naughty, knowing chuckle escaped Minerva's lips as Hermione writhed around, trying frantically to get more pressure against her most sensitive intimate area. She used her other hand to part the younger womans thighs. In a single move she had lowered her head to catch an erect nipple with her mouth, at the same time plunging two fingers deep inside of the young womans aching core.

Hermione threw her head back, not noticing or caring as the back of her skull smacked into the tiles. Loudly crying out her approval as Minerva's skilful thrusts sped up. She tangled her fingers into the older womans ebony hair, clinging to her lover. The Headmistress bit down gently, grazing her teeth against the swollen bud before dropping to her knees.

Those skilful fingers had barely paused before beginning to thrust again, even harder now. Minerva's tongue sought the sensitive bundle of nerves at the top of Hermione's folds, making the young woman whimper and begin to pant heavily. "More... Please more."

Obligingly the older witch added a third finger, she plunged them deep inside – drawing a series of guttural noises from Hermione. Still licking firmly at the young womans erect pearl. Incoherent sounds erupted from her lips and that turned into high pitched yelps when Minerva began to hit that special spot deep inside of her in rhythm with the sucking motion she had initiated.

"Oh God yes... Yes... Yes... Oh... Min... Aaah... Yes!" Trembling walls clamped down rhythmically on Minerva's fingers. The ebony haired witch slowed her motion gradually to a stop, letting Hermione ride out her orgasm. When the young woman stopped shaking, her knees buckled and she almost fell.

"I think that you needed that."

"Desperately."

Minerva gave another thrust, making Hermione groan before she removed her fingers.


The shower took rather longer than either of them expected. When they stepped into the bedroom they could hear the children playing downstairs. Minerva opened the door to her large wardrobe and selected a pair of black trousers and a deep green silk blouse. She placed them on the bed but only put on underwear and a robe. "Hermione, put on something sexy."

"Why?"

"Well the children and I are taking you out to dinner."

"Really? Why?"

"To celebrate the end of your exams."

"I haven't passed yet."

Minerva just chuckled, knowing that the younger woman would have had no difficulty with the exam, "We will celebrate again when you get your results." She walked over and kissed Hermione softly. "I need to check that the children are getting ready."

The young witch just shook her head as she watched Minerva walk out of the room.


The Headmistress strode into the kids' room, Rose was already wearing a cute red summer dress with white flowers on it, along with a white woollen cardigan. The corners of Minerva's mouth twitched when she observed that the girl was wearing her favourite turquoise shoes, regardless of the fact that they were rather tattered or that they clashed with her outfit – badly.

"You look nice dear."

"Fanks 'Nerva."

Minerva turned her gaze to Hugo. The boy had a blue shirt on but he had misaligned some of the buttons so that the left side hung almost five inches lower than the right. The pocket linings were hanging out of his trousers and his red underpants showed through his unzipped fly. He was also trying to stuff bare feet into his trainers without unlacing them.

"Tell you what Hugo... I will button your shirt for you if you zip up your trousers...Deal?"

"Dealz." The boy giggled as nimble fingers refastened his shirt, tickling his ribcage as they did so. Minerva unlaced his shoes and summoned a pair of socks from his drawer, "Not soooocks."

"I am afraid so my lad."

"Rose ain't wearin' any!"

"That's because Rose has sandals on."

"Oh."

Minerva gave a chuckle, "I am going to put some clothes on myself. Well done, both of you."

A very cheeky little female voice chirped up, "Are you gonna help Mummy get inta her clothes too?"

"Perhaps I will."


Minerva walked back into her bedroom and stopped dead. Emerald eyes widened and then immediately darkened with lust. Her mouth dropped open and she would have been drooling if her mouth hadn't suddenly gone dry.

A very cheeky grin flashed at her across the room. "Thank you for the compliment Minerva."

The older witch nodded slowly, unable to force even a murmur past the lump in her throat.

Hermione walked over to her lover, knowing that her hips were swaying provocatively by the way that those sexy dark eyes hungrily watched her move. "Zip me up?" She turned to reveal smooth, pale skin that should have been broken by a bra strap but wasn't. The older woman's trembling fingers moved to the bottom of the zip and found them resting on the curve at the top of Hermione's naked backside.

Minerva moaned when she realised that her paramour was completely bare underneath the very sexy dress. She brushed her lips against the soft skin between Hermione's shoulder blades. "Merlin." The two syllables were barely a whisper, exhaled against tender flesh and served to make the younger woman shiver. "You. Are. Practically. Naked."

"I'm wearing stockings."

Minerva moaned again before zipping up the dress decisively. "Just wait until I get you home young lady."

"Ya promise?"

The older witch merely smirked knowingly. She went to put her own clothes on, never taking her eyes off of the younger woman. Hermione wore a very dark red, almost black dress – it was cut in a way that hinted at more than it revealed. One shoulder was left completely bare, the other fetchingly draped in material. The hemline although demure was cut at an angle, slightly below the knee on one side and just above it on the other. There was also a small slit running up her thigh, a slit that widened as the brunette propped her leg on the bed to fasten her high heels. It gave Minerva a view of the lacy top of a promised stocking and made her moan once again. "Bloody tease."

"Not really, I fully intend on letting you have your wicked way with me later on. This is merely anticipation."

"Torture by any other name."

"Mmmm hmmm."

A quick charm dried long chestnut tresses and lifted them into an elegant French braid. The scent of perfume on that shapely neck was driving Minerva to distraction, something that the young woman didn't miss. The animagus growled in frustration and finished her own preparations for the evening.

"You never said where we were going?"

"Well the children initially voted for Pizza Hovel..." Minerva paused for a moment, building up suspense. "But I convinced them that perhaps we should go somewhere with a more diverse menu."

"And they suggested?"

"I believe that they mentioned Korean Fried Chicken or something along those lines."

Hermione began to snicker.

"They then suggested... I think it was Burger Emperor or alternatively an establishment called... McDoodles." The older woman knew that she was getting the names wrong but she didn't care as long as it made Hermione laugh.

Belly laughs erupted from the young woman and tears began to spill from beneath her lashes, "Stop it Minerva, I am going to smudge my makeup."

"That is my job I believe."


Minerva's choice in restaurant was perfect. It was a small establishment right on the seafront at Southsea, built on stilts it provided a wonderful view over the Solent towards the Isle of Wight and also a great view of the common on the other side of the road. Business was brisk but not manic as it would be in the tourist season and they managed to get a quiet corner table with a view of the surf.

The children were extremely happy, having been provided with crayons and pictures to colour in by the staff. Hugo ordered pizza and Rose a burger, so their dietary preferences were catered to. Hermione toyed with the idea of ordering steak before she decided on some locally caught fish and Minerva followed suit but chose a Malayan style tuna dish.

The young woman reached over and caressed the back of an elegant hand. "You're quiet... Is there something on your mind?"

"Just thinking about a few things."

Hermione recognised from the tone of her voice that Minerva wasn't quite ready to share whatever it was with her. She squeezed the hand and said, "If you need to talk... I'm always here for you."

"I know love. And I will tell you, when the time is right."

They smiled at each other warmly, loving the comfortable feeling of being together. Their relationship had progressed extremely quickly but in a way that felt right and natural. Minerva raised her wineglass, winking at Rose, "To our family."

Hermione raised an eyebrow in mild surprise at the public acknowledgement of what they knew to be reality but had only spoken about. She lifted her glass, watching as the youngsters followed suit with their cokes. "To our family."

"To our fam-ily."

"Yay." Came from Hugo.

They grinned in delight and drank to the toast. Rose exchanged a significant look with her younger brother who nodded. The girl grabbed a piece of paper off of the table and a crayon, she slipped off of the chair and rounded the table to Minerva's side. The girl looked up tremulously, took a deep breath and said, "Mum, can you help me with this maze please?"

Hermione and Minerva exchanged a shocked glance and tears sprung into emerald eyes.

Hugo stopped chewing his crayon, "Yeah Mum, help Rose."

The older witch reached down and picked up the girl, she placed her on her lap and proceeded to teach her how to navigate the maze with hands that were uncontrollably shaking.


Five days later

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Hugo, happy birthday to you." The assembled people in The Burrow were all a little bleary eyed due to the early hour of the morning as they sang to the boy. Harry, Ginny and their children were present, as were Molly, Arthur and several of the other Weasleys.

"Pwesents!" Hugo exclaimed loudly as a huge pile of gifts appeared in front of him. Waiting for a nod from Hermione he started to open the first one. "Wow Unka Harry, fanks." He placed the toy broom aside after several minutes of stroking it reverently and turned his attention to the other parcels.

The last gift that he opened was a trainset from Molly and Arthur. "Oh fanks Granddad & Nanny." He had a smaller, less complicated version at home and had been anticipating his, "Growed up twains!" for quite some time. "Can we put it t'geva now?"

"Hugo it's six in the morning..." Hermione groaned, "It's a bit too early for trains." Inwardly she was thinking about the fact that she had only gone to sleep at two thirty, after staying awake rather late with her 'girlfriend' – she really needed a coffee.

The boy's lip began to tremble and his eyes misted with genuine tears of regret.

Minerva couldn't help herself. "Would you like me to help you set it up Hugo?"

"Yes pwease."

Shooting a covetous glance at the coffeepot the Headmistress picked up the large box and ignoring the odd looks directed at her, she proceeded to the other side of the large room. She surprised everyone further when she sat cross-legged on the floor next to Hugo and helped the lad open the box.

Hermione smiled at the thoughtfulness of her lover and at the genuine connection that Minerva had with both children but especially her son. Ginny leaned in closer and whispered, "She's pretty cute with the kids."

Harry also whispered, "And she looks pretty good in those jeans."

The young woman smirked but said nothing. Knowing what was coming.

"You do realise of course, that I can hear you from over here?" The brogue was sardonic.

The Potter couple blushed and looked away. Hermione's chocolate gaze caught Minerva's amused one and the older witch winked. They exchanged a grin before both going back to their respective tasks.

Wadding up discarded wrapping paper the young witch threw it into the rubbish bin. Ginny took the rest of the children into the garden to hunt for gnomes, while Harry and Hermione started to help Molly with breakfast.

Minerva smiled at Hugo warmly, the boy was chattering away about trains as they decided on the layout of the track. It was really too early to be doing this and she needed her morning coffee.


Breakfast was almost ready and everyone was back inside. Minerva was aware that she was being stared at, knowing that wearing muggle clothing and sitting on the floor playing with a train set would appear rather uncharacteristic. She was aware that Hermione's friends and family-in-law knew about their relationship but this was the first time that they had been to a larger family gathering together – hence the looks.

The Headmistress wanted to moan when she smelled freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air but she continued to help Hugo put his track together, her nimble fingers able to manipulate the delicate parts with ease. Several minutes passed while she listened with half an ear to the idle chatter coming from the kitchen.

"How's everything going?"

Animagus senses had clued Minerva into the fact that her lover was approaching from behind. So it wasn't a surprise when Hermione spoke and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Rather well actually." Emerald eyes glanced up at the warm, knowing look in chocolate orbs – the younger witch was also aware that they were being silently judged.

Hermione leaned over to look closer at their progress, absently handing her half drunken mug of coffee to the older woman as she did so. Unseen by either of them several sets of eyebrows raised, watching the two witches share a drink implied an extremely high level of intimacy between them. Harry and Ginny hadn't honestly believed that it was just sex that had caused their friend to date their former professor but seeing them so comfortable in this setting was rather shocking.

Suddenly the married couple felt a very familiar whack to the back of their heads, Molly had given them both a gentle but stinging slap. Repetitions of the same noise told them that George and Arthur had met a similar fate. "Get over it you lot. Stop staring at them!"

Hermione leant in even closer and whispered low enough that only animagus hearing could have detected her words. "I wonder what they would do if we kissed?" Their eyes met again. Minerva gave a barely audible moan, something heady flashed through emerald depths and their gaze became slightly heated.

With difficulty the Headmistress tore her gaze away from the intoxicating woman, responding to something that Hugo babbled at her. Hermione also beat a hasty retreat, very aware that Ron's family were still grieving on some level and that discretion was the better part of valour. She met Molly's bright blue eyes and was surprised to see her looking content if not happy.

"Breakfast is ready everyone. Hermione why don't you sit down with the others? And Minerva could you drag the birthday boy over here?"

As usual everyone obeyed the Weasley matriarch and sat down. Hugo stopped protesting when Minerva shot him a sharp glance. They began to eat, letting all of the children chatter away to each other. Arthur started telling an anecdote about an incident that happened at the Ministry. Everything was normal and happy.

Rose looked up at Hermione, "Can you pass the salt please Mummy?" The brunette obliged but was busy listening to Arthur, she didn't see Hugo struggling with a bottle of ketchup further down the table.

The boy gave up whacking the glass bottle and turned to face Minerva. "Mum help pwease."

In an instant every sound in the room stopped. It seemed like everyone had ceased breathing. Knives and forks were still. All eyes were on Minerva McGonagall and the young Weasley lad. Only a few days had passed since the children had began to use that term of address sporadically – it was still so new that neither witch had considered how it would sound to the others – until now that is.

With her infamous self-control firmly in place the Headmistress, reached over and quietly showed the youngster how to get sauce from the bottle with a butter knife. "Fanks."

The breakfast table was still rather quiet, everyone waiting for someone to say something. Eventually Molly turned to Arthur, "More coffee dear?"

"Yes please."

"Would anyone else like some?"


Later

The glance that Hermione sent her lover as she left the room was full of emotion and a great deal of commiseration for the ordeal that Minerva was about to be put through. At the older womans nod she closed the door behind her and the kids as she went to face her own inquisition.

"Molly, Arthur. I am so sorry that you had to hear it like that."

The plump woman looked at her friend thoughtfully. "Minerva don't be an arse." Arthur felt rather left out as the two women began to laugh, sometimes it was hard to be male. "I'm glad that the children care about you enough to call you Mum. If they were calling someone Dad, it would have been a lot harder but this is fine."

"Just a surprise for us Minerva."

The older woman nodded and took a deep breath. The first part of this conversation had been rather easier than she had expected. Now for the second... "There is something else that I would like to discuss with you both."

"Go on."

"I am planning on asking Hermione to marry me and I would really like your blessing."

Two faces turned solemn as they considered what Minerva had just asked.

"I love Hermione and I count my blessings that she loves me too. I adore both of the children. There is nothing I want more than for the four of us to be a family."

"What if we said no?"

Minerva offered a small sad smile. "I am unsure. Your approval would mean a great deal and I know that this must be very hard for you both."

Molly glanced at her husband, reading the answer in his eyes. "You have our blessing Minerva. We do want Hermione and the children to move on with their lives, it is time and you have made them all very happy. How could we not approve?"

The relief that Minerva felt was palpable, her body sagged by a noticeable amount. She had been relying on this. Not that a refusal would have changed her actions but it would have made life extremely difficult.

"Have you decided how you are going to propose?"

The older woman gave a low chuckle. Far more confident now than she had been the last time that they had discussed this relationship, her answer was low, throaty. "I have a few ideas but I believe that I will wait for the right time and place."

Molly hugged her friend, "Do it quickly though, you know what I am like trying to keep a secret."

"Hopeless." Her husband and Minerva spoke at the same moment with wry smiles.


It was Minerva's last day off before returning to Hogwarts for the start of the summer term. They had left the children with their grandparents for the day, so that they could spend some uninterrupted time together. In fact they were engaged in their normal banter.

"I can't believe that you'd rather tramp around the hills than have sex with me."

"I never said that I would not have sex with you, nor that I did not want to, of course I do but there is no reason that we cannot do both." Her words were slightly breathless, as they reached the top of the hill and stopped. "In fact I plan on spending a large part of this evening ravishing you Hermione."

They were standing on the top of a lonely hillside staring down at the small cottage. The heather was just starting to bloom, buds were turning into leaves on the trees down in the valley and the weather was cool rather than cold. It was a lovely spring afternoon and so the young witch didn't complain when Minerva led her to a magically conjured blanket. "Promise?"

"Oh yes!"

"Good."

"Um...Hmmm..." Whatever the older witch said was muffled by Hermione's lips as they kissed passionately. It was wanting, needy and filled with lusty promise. After a few minutes Minerva pulled her hand from beneath the young womans shirt where it had migrated of its own accord. "You are far too tempting."

"And there I was thinking that was the idea. But I take it that you have other plans this afternoon...?"

Minerva nodded with a smile, dropping a light kiss on her lovers lips. "I thought perhaps a picnic with this incredible view to start with." There was an almost giddy... something hiding in those emerald depths and Hermione realised that she was going to have to be patient.

"Ok, I'll be patient until you want to tell me whatever it is."

The older womans hand reached out and gently caressed Hermione's face. Her fingers slipped off of the soft skin and she snapped them, summoning a borrowed house elf from the school. In an instant an extremely elaborate picnic appeared in front of them. There was enough food to feed ten people; roast chicken, smoked salmon, salads, antipasti, bread, pate, fruit, wine, meats, cheese – in fact there were too many varieties for the younger witch to take it all in. The gesture was typical of Minerva, slightly over the top in its thoughtfulness but lovely nevertheless.

"I love you but you are going to make me fat."

"You would still look cute and I would still love you even if you were fat."

Hermione grinned at her lover and picked up a piece of chicken. "I should warn you that big bums run in my family."

Mock-aghast Minerva summoned the chicken from the younger womans fingers. "In that case..."

"Oy!" Popping the meat into her own mouth the Headmistress shrugged before relenting and feeding a second piece of chicken to Hermione. Moaning when her fingers were drawn between naughty lips. "Mmmm you taste good."

Minerva's eyes went incredulously wide and she shook her head wryly. "Sssssh." She turned to face the mass of food before muttering under her breath, "Naughty witch... Naughty, naughty witch."

"Yup!"

With another exchanged smile the two women started eating. Every now and then, one would feed a particularly juicy morsel to the other. The meal was filled with companionable silence, punctuated only by the occasional moan or word. A sudden breeze sprung up and Minerva looked at the sky, "It is going to rain."

"I'm full anyway."

"And your buttocks have not increased in size." She banished the remaining food before standing, "However I believe that I should conduct a more detailed assessment later on."

"Just for my piece of mind, of course."

"Of course."

Heedless of the approaching clouds, they began to walk down the hillside. It was something else that highlighted the difference between Minerva and Ron, he would have used magic to get back to the house quicker. Hermione had long since reconciled herself to the fact that although she had loved her husband very much, her new partner was a better match for her. With that in mind she reached out and grabbed the older womans hand, drawing one of those radiant smiles that she loved from her.


"There is something that I want to show you."

"Really?"

"Upstairs."

"Are you trying to lure me into your bedroom?" Chocolate eyes twinkled coquettishly.

"As though I would have to lure you." Minerva led her lover up the stairs to the second floor. "Remember that I disappeared yesterday?"

"How could I forget? I miss you when you aren't with me."

"I miss you too my love." Minerva grasped the handle of the children's guest room and pushed the door open, allowing Hermione to enter.

The walls were no longer painted in neutral colours, two walls were blue with snitches flying around them and the others covered in muggle wallpaper, featuring Hugo's favourite cartoon character. A tall cabin bed shaped like a castle provided both a sleeping area and a fort underneath. There was a small desk in one corner, shelves waiting to be filled with books and mostly empty toy boxes were lined up against the wall with the window.

Hermione gave a wordless cry and tears sprung to her eyes. This was quite possibly the sweetest thing that anyone had ever done for her and the children. "Go and look at the other one before you cry."

Minerva held open the next door and showed her lover the other room. Rose would love the pink walls, painted with stunningly accurate butterflies that fluttered around when your eyes glanced at them. Her bed was like a fairytale castle, with pink shutters and flags.

"Minerva... I..." Hermione couldn't hold back her tears. This gesture showed how much that the older woman knew about her children, how much she cared. Looking through blurred vision she saw the animagus drop to one knee.

Nimble fingers drew a small box from within tailored robes. Popping it open Minerva glanced first at the sparkling diamond before locking Hermione into a soulful gaze. "I love you Hermione, I have always loved you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you and the children. You all mean the world to me. Will you consent to be my wife? Marry me?"

"Yes! God yes!" Both women had joyful tears running freely down their faces. "I love you." Hermione dropped to her own knees and hugged her fiancée for all she was worth, while Minerva slipped the ring onto her finger.