Chapter Three
Rereading the message she had received from Harry by owl this morning, Minerva sighed. Nervousness fluttered through her, settling in her belly as her thoughts moved from the impending capture of the Deatheaters hiding in the Scottish Highlands to seeing Hermione in a few minutes for their weekly chess and tea.
She had thought about yesterday's conversation with Miranda and decided she needed to show her Gryffindor courage by becoming more vulnerable around Hermione. To that end, she decided she would invite Hermione out for Valentine's Day. Not something as cliché as giving Hermione a dozen roses and taking her to some romantic, expensive restaurant in London. She thought too highly of Hermione for such standard fare, although she hoped to have the opportunity to spoil the younger witch with such demonstrations at a later date.
It was well known just how private Minerva was. In fact, many rumors regarding her family, her upbringing, really anything having to do with her personal life, had formed over the years. She laughed at many of the silly fabrications and nursed tears behind closed doors due to some of the more hurtful rumors. People could be ruthless in their quest to know more. Why were people so interested in her, anyway? It was certainly a mystery to her.
Nevertheless, Minerva had decided to share herself with Hermione in the hope that such an act would be interpreted by Hermione in the spirit it was meant. At the least, their friendship would deepen, and at best, Minerva trembled as she dared to think it, they would enter into a romantic relationship. Taking a deep breath to settle herself, Minerva smiled slightly as she heard her staircase activate. That would be Hermione.
A knock on the door filled Minerva's heart with longing, and she took a moment to breathe in the feeling, reminding herself why she was willing to reveal herself to this woman. Looking down, she smoothed her thin, mint-green inner-robe nervously. She had forgone her thick outer robe, believing that removing the outer layer would indicate her willingness to be less formal. Of course, now Hermione would be able to see her form more easily, and Minerva would be able to observe whether she might be interested in her.
"Come in," Minerva called as she walked toward the door. She smiled involuntarily as petite features, short dark hair, and sparkling umber-colored eyes greeted her. Before she could think twice about it, Minerva reached forward and pulled Hermione into a tight hug, heartened to feel arms surround her waist and squeeze back just as firmly. She breathed in Hermione's distinctive scent, vanilla and parchment and something that was unique to her. She felt a purr erupt deep in her throat and smiled with relief when Hermione's response was merely to burrow more firmly into her neck. With one last squeeze, Minerva reluctantly released her, turning away before she kissed that luscious mouth which regularly haunted her dreams.
"How was your week, Hermione?" Minerva asked as she led them to the lounge in front of a roaring fire, biting her lip to keep herself from smiling as she heard the younger witch gasp. She never had called Hermione by her given name, knowing that to do so would mean to invite Hermione to do the same. It was one of her many ways of keeping a distance from others, of not allowing others any type of intimacy, even with people she had known for countless years. She could count on her fingers the number of people allowed to call her Minerva. She was about to add to that number today.
"It's been busy. Exhausting, really," Hermione answered as she sat down on her corner of the lounge. She looked up shyly as Minerva sank down next to her instead of on her side of the couch and handed her a cup of tea just the way she liked it. Their hands brushed as eyes connected. "But now that I'm here, I feel much better, Minerva," she added, her eyes darkening as they flicked over Minerva's body.
Swallowing thickly as a wave of heat rolled through her upon hearing her name uttered a bit breathlessly but oh so reverently, Minerva whispered, "I am glad to hear it, my dear."
Hermione was an extremely intelligent witch. Minerva was sure that she felt the shift between them and interpreted Minerva's very deliberate actions to communicate her wish to be closer. It would be up to the younger witch to indicate her interest before Minerva issued the Valentine's Day invitation. She did have her pride, after all, and she would not do anything to embarrass either of them or to jeopardize their friendship.
"Minerva," Hermione said softly, lithe fingers grazing over her knee.
"Hmmm?" Minerva hummed as she locked eyes with Hermione's mesmerizing gaze. She loved the way Hermione said her name, her voice caressing each syllable. She could easily become addicted to it. She lifted a brow in question as she watched Hermione take a deep breath, determination sparking through her eyes. "Do you have any plans for this Saturday?"
Smiling coyly, Minerva placed her tea cup on the side table to the right of Hermione, effectively surrounding the attractive witch with her body as she gently took Hermione's cup and also placed it aside. That done, she dared to lean more into Hermione's personal space so that she could feel Hermione's breathing speed up, basking in the little puffs of air gracing her lips. "This Saturday?" she asked softly, gazing at her through heavy-lidded eyes.
"Yes," Hermione answered just as softly as she moved infinitesimally closer.
"I do," Minerva answered, watching closely as Hermione's face dropped with disappointment. Before Hermione could move away, though, she cupped a lovely cheek and added, "I plan to spend Valentine's Day with you, if you are amenable." She allowed her thumb to brush over a full lower lip as she saw understanding light up Hermione's face. She smiled as Hermione puckered her lips, delivering a fleeting kiss to Minerva's thumb. "Is that a yes?" Minerva prodded. As Hermione nodded, Minerva whispered, "Good," and delivered a chaste kiss upon quivering lips, pulling back just enough to gauge Hermione's reaction. Parted, moist lips, rapid breathing, and closed eyes beckoned Minerva back.
Groaning when she felt fingers slide through her bun, dislodging it as their lips met more firmly, Minerva lost herself in learning this woman's intoxicating lips, what made her whimper and moan as they slid their mouths together, changing the angles and pressure, setting off small explosions behind her eyes as their tongues met. Somehow she ended up on her back with Hermione's supple body on top of her as they kissed and kissed and kissed. Minerva explored Hermione's muscular back and slim waist, attempting to not move too fast.
"It's all right," Hermione whispered against her lips, taking one of Minerva's hands and placing it on her breast. "I've hungered for your touch. For years." She pinned Minerva with a look that made Minerva's thighs clench as moisture pooled between them. "I have loved you for so long. I am yours, Minerva."
"You, you love me?" Minerva asked, afraid to believe it but wishing fervently.
"With everything I am," Hermione answered passionately, trailing her lips down Minerva's neck before nibbling on a particularly sensitive spot behind her ear.
Gasping, Minerva kneaded the perky breast in her hand, quickly moving her other hand to palm a shapely behind.
"Minerva. Oh! My apologies for interrupting."
Thoroughly put out by the interruption of their snogging session, Minerva held Hermione firmly against her as she turned her head to see Miranda's fiery visage staring at her from the fireplace.
"Bugger off," Minerva growled. She was not happy to hear Miranda's resulting chuckle.
"I am sorry," Miranda said, her voice sounding sincere, "but we have to finalize plans for the extraction of Johnson and McClellen. Let's all meet tomorrow night at 6:00 PM, my office. Does that work for you, Miss Granger?"
"Yes," Hermione said, her face hidden between the couch back and Minerva's throat.
"Pardon?" Miranda asked.
"She said yes, and I will be there, too. Now, sod off," Minerva huffed, her hand skimming through short locks as their breathing slowed.
"Have a good night, then," Miranda said lightly. With that the flames returned to their previous shades of red, orange, and blue.
"I am sorry for the intrusion," Minerva said as she wrapped her arms around Hermione's smaller form. "I should have blocked the fire-calling."
"You couldn't know," Hermione said as she leaned on her forearms and gazed lovingly down at Minerva.
"No. I suppose not. How do you feel about a change in setting?" Minerva asked as her hands began exploring Hermione's enticing body with clear intent.
"Quite. As long as we are together," Hermione said with a smile.
"Now that I have you in my arms, I have no intention of letting you go," Minerva said, her eyes searching Hermione's to see if that made her uncomfortable in any way.
"Brilliant. I am glad to hear it," Hermione answered, leaning in to deliver a toe-curling kiss.
Minerva apparated them into her bedchamber as nimble fingers unbuttoned her robe. "Are you sure this is what you want? That I am who you want?" she asked in a low voice, her hands covering Hermione's to still their movement. "I ask only because my animagus has chosen you as my mate, and I cannot be intimate with you on a casual basis. For me, being with you would be mating for life. It may be better for us to take this more slowly so that you do not regret anything that we do," Minerva said, knowing she was babbling a bit, but desperate to make Hermione understand the possible repercussions.
"Minerva," Hermione said tenderly. "I know. I researched animagus traits long ago. I choose to be with you for as long as you'll have me. It may be a better question to ask whether you are certain. If you need more time, I will accept any affection you are prepared to share with me. I've waited for years. I will wait for however long you need."
Shaking her head, Minerva smiled as her heart filled with love. "You ridiculous, beautiful, irresistible witch. I have loved ye for longer than what 'twas probably appropriate. I never dared to dream ye could return my feelings, but my heart chose you long ago. If you're sure, then I give ye my heart, as I cannae go back to a life without you next to me," she said passionately, her Scottish brogue becoming more pronounced at the thought of having this woman.
"Good thing I have no intention of letting you go now that I know your feelings. Merlin, woman! You could have given me a hint or something. You have no idea how hard it's been to hide my feelings when all I've wanted to do was rip your robes off."
Those words stirred Minerva into action, pulling Hermione down and capturing her swollen lips fervidly, tongue delving through parted lips to taste the younger witch's desire. She made quick work of Hermione's form-fitting slacks and jumper, pulling them off with little fanfare or finesse. She needed to taste her, feel her, mark her. She flipped them as they continued to kiss, shrugging out of her robe once she felt Hermione finish unbuttoning it. She wore only her unmentionables, a matching forest-green set of lingerie she favored.
Pulling back, she raked her eyes over Hermione's exquisite form. Toned muscles, flushed skin, heaving breasts encased in black lace, restless legs, and an unmistakable aroma that Minerva could easily detect with her animagus-enhanced sense of smell. Her mouth watered, and her soul howled with need.
"Make love with me, Minerva. Make me yours. I give myself to you freely," Hermione said, her voice holding a certain gravitas, each word sinking into Minerva powerfully, old magic highlighting her words and engraving them on her soul.
"And I give myself to you," Minerva agreed. Once she uttered the words, a clap of thunder sounded and golden light encapsulated them as they sealed their lives together with a kiss. Smiling at Hermione, Minerva husked, "Old magic. Our souls are connected." Hermione's eyes brimmed with so many emotions: love, desire, awe, acceptance.
They removed the last scraps of cloth they wore before melting into each other, groaning at how heavenly they felt together. The hunger overtook Minerva, and she growled as she kissed her way down Hermione's neck, stalling as she felt her love's pulse beating hard beneath her lips. Sucking on the area, she felt with immense satisfaction Hermione's moans reverberate against her lips. Slowly, she explored each collarbone, nibbling on them and licking the indentations as Hermione gasped and mewled her approval. Moving down, Minerva took a tight bud between her teeth and pulled gently before soothing it with her tongue and sucking strongly.
The noises Hermione made drove Minerva crazy, and she mapped Hermione's ribs and belly with trembling hands as she drew the other breast in her mouth to repeat her ministrations. Feeling Hermione squirm beneath her restlessly, Minerva murmured, "You're so ready for me, aren't you lass? Ready to be mine?" Sliding her lips over slightly damp skin, Minerva moaned at how good she tasted. She licked Hermione's bellybutton, chuckling as Hermione giggled, and nibbled her hipbone before settling between Hermione's legs. Breathing in deeply, Minerva's mouth watered with anticipation.
In that moment, her eyes connecting with Hermione's passionate gaze, Minerva knew her life would never be the same. This woman had defined her in so many ways, gradually shaping her over the years as their relationship had changed and deepened. And today, today she finally had made the leap to fully accepting her feelings, acknowledging them and embracing them. She had decided to open herself to possible rejection by indicating her interest in sharing more than a friendship with Hermione, and by taking that chance, she had found that, impossibly, Hermione returned her feelings.
"I want to taste ye, love. Will ye allow it?" Minerva asked softly.
"Yes. Please, Minerva," Hermione moaned, widening her legs invitingly.
Unwilling to wait any longer, Minerva lowered her mouth and licked firmly from Hermione's weeping opening to her swollen bundle of nerves, moving her hands to splay them across Hermione's lower belly to keep her close. Minerva groaned as Hermione's flavor hit her taste buds. She slowly tasted every part of Hermione's sex, nibbling and licking as she listened to her love's vocal responses. Entering Hermione's opening with her tongue as far as she could, she felt Hermione's body react by squeezing it. Moaning, knowing Hermione was fast approaching her release, Minerva sucked on the bottom of her opening before thrusting her tongue inside more forcefully, repeating the actions while manipulating Hermione's clitoris with her fingers. Tasting Hermione's desire as it flowed over her tongue and dripped on to her chin, Minerva concentrated on how quickly Hermione's body was moving, gyrating against her mouth. Strong fingers weaved through her hair and a keening filled the air moments before Hermione's body bowed above the bed, stiffening as her orgasm took control.
She was beautiful.
Watching avidly as she thrust her tongue slowly inside Hermione several more times, Minerva realized quite forcefully that her unsated body was trembling with desire. Shifting slightly to ease the ache, Minerva tried to refocus on expressing her love and devotion to Hermione in the most fundamental way. She had dreamed of this woman for so many years, hating herself for yearning for the affections from a witch she had believed would never want her in this way. And yet all it had taken was for her to express the slightest interest in wanting to be closer, and Hermione had jumped at the opportunity. To think she had wasted so much time...
A soft hand cupped her jaw, and Minerva realized she was resting her head on a quivering thigh. Tears ran down her face, her hands grasping Hermione's shapely hips as if she were her lifeline.
"Minerva," a soft voice called to her. She allowed Hermione to raise her chin, and she saw worry crease her love's forehead. "Why are you crying?"
"I just, ye are so beautiful. I never dared ta hope ye would want me," Minerva admitted, ashamed that she had broken down during what was the happiest day of her life. "I am sorry, lass. I'm an old, emotional fool, it seems."
"No," Hermione said. "You are nothing of the sort. You are the love of my life, and there is nothing wrong with allowing yourself to feel. Besides," she ran her hand down Minerva's throat and rested it on her shoulder. "I very much do want you." She pulled on Minerva's shoulders, indicating her wish for Minerva to join her.
As Minerva hovered over the younger witch, strong thighs wrapped around her waist and full lips took one of her breasts into her mouth. Gasping at how erotic Hermione looked as she hungrily sucked her nipple, one hand holding it in place, Minerva moved against her, grinding against the woman who drove her crazy. She lost herself in the sensations, giving herself over entirely to Hermione's desire to bring her pleasure. Moving against Hermione with focused intent, she moaned loudly as Hermione switched to tasting her other breast, the cool air tingling against the wetness left on her recently attended-to one.
"Hermione, luv, I need ye so," Minerva muttered breathlessly, speeding up as she felt pressure building between her legs. She nearly jumped when determined fingers played with her wetness, hovering at her opening. She understood what Hermione was asking. "Yes, Hermione, please yes! I need ye, Gràdh."
Hermione entered her smoothly, chewing on her nipple gently while thrusting forcefully. Minerva picked up the rhythm, her body singing as it readied for release. Looking down, their eyes locked just as Hermione flicked her thumb against her engorged clit. Minerva's eyes slammed shut as she yowled, her body thrumming as wave after wave of ecstasy coursed through her. Leaning in, Minerva licked at the crux of Hermione's neck and shoulder before sucking on it forcefully. She felt the blood rushing underneath her lips, tasted the salt of perspiration, smelled the result of their lovemaking. Her animagus howled, demanded she stake her claim, and before she could restrain herself, she bit Hermione, hard enough that the copper taste of blood filled Minerva's mouth.
Immediately, she licked at the wound, panicking at the thought that she might have gone too far, but she felt strong fingers holding her close, not allowing her to pull away.
"That's right; you've marked me, love. I am yours. All yours. No one else will have me this way. I have waited so many years for you. You branded my heart long ago, and now you have made me yours, marked me, branded me, taken me even as I have gratefully received your love, your body, your soul," Hermione whispered into Minerva's ear. "I will never let you go. You gave me your heart, and I will cherish it, protect it, and love it."
Kissing the love bite, the animalistic bite her animagus urged her to make to stake her claim and mark Hermione as her mate, Minerva said in a hoarse voice, "Aye, ye are mine, and I am yours. And I won't be denied your love any longer. If you wish I will leave Hogwarts and live with ye in London or wherever ye wish, or ye can move into the castle with me. I will even retire as headmistress if that is what it takes, but I will nay live another day without ye lying next to me. I have staked my claim, and although it may be primitive, my animagus traits demanded it of me."
"Minerva, please do not believe you did anything wrong. This is the best day of my life. I love you so much. And we will figure out what will work best for us, but right now rest assured that yesterday was the last night you will experience sleeping by yourself." Hermione smiled widely. "Now, I hope you aren't too tired," she murmured as her hands began to wander over Minerva, whose back muscles flexed under talented fingers. "As we have years to make up for."
Minerva felt happiness swell up, lodging in her throat before she smiled broadly. "Aye, that we do, Gràdh. That we do." She captured Hermione's lips in a fierce kiss. The details they would figure out later. She felt their connection pulse between them, and she gave in to the blissful feeling without resistance.