This one is a bit short, but I thought that anything more would have just been too much. Hope you enjoy. And review, please! I had 40 reviews with the first four chapters, and I don't think I've seen 15 between the last two. I am curious if introducing Draco into the story turned some of your interest down...if so, I hope this chapter remedies that.
Hermione started at Minerva as the older woman declared that her own opinion didn't matter. Quite suddenly, something clicked in Hermione's brain, a revelation that caused stand from the desk chair and move herself to the couch several feet away, feeling a need for distance between them.
Minerva shared her feelings.
Hermione said nothing as her brain digested the signs that she'd somehow missed; so many moments in the last few months had shown that Minerva cared more for her than any student and teacher relationship, or even a friendship could hold. Minerva McGonagall had always been forthright with her opinion of things, especially when the situation addressed issues of right and wrong. The fact that the Headmistress was refusing to offer her opinion at the present showed Hermione that Minerva felt something for her beyond the platonic. When open and exposed emotionally, the older witch always got passively defensive. Hermione had figured that out about her years ago.
All of that said, Hermione now found herself in the position of needing to address her own growing feelings for Minerva. Upon second thought, the addressing had been done already, Hermione mused to herself. Hermione couldn't deny her own growing feelings for Minerva. She had just chosen to set them aside because she didn't want to make her life any more complicated than it was. She didn't need the added stress. However, if they both felt the same, then they would gain more by addressing it than by ignoring it. Hermione wasn't sure if she was prepared to really act on it - on a romantic relationship - but to not even acknowledge it was just plain silly. She wasn't a silly child any longer. She could deal with this as an adult.
"Minerva," she said slowly. "Do you love me?"
For a moment, Minerva just started at her, expressionless, before sputtering a reply. "Do I - do I love you? However do you mean?"
Hermione smiled a little, watching a blush grow on Minerva's cheeks. "I mean, do you love me? In a maternal way? Or perhaps a dear friend sort of way? Or maybe even in "I'd like to snog you senseless" way?"
The Scottish witch gulped. "I...Hermione...yes."
"Yes how?" Hermione requested politely, giving no sign of her own feelings. Yes, she did like seeing Minerva squirm in her seat. It was rather...sexy.
Minerva's face morphed from terrified to determined. She got up and moved over to the couch where Hermione was sitting, and kneeled in front of her. "Do you really wish to have this conversation, now?" she asked quietly, taking Hermione's hands in her own.
The younger witch felt her heartbeat quicken at Minerva's touch. She didn't trust her voice, so she merely nodded 'yes'. She needed to know for sure, and she needed Minerva to be the one to officially bring the issue out into the open. She craved the kind of support Minerva as a leader in a romantic relationship would bring her. She wanted Minerva to be in charge, to help make some of these hard decisions that were in front of them.
"Hermione," Minerva said after a moment of silence. "I am prepared to stand by your side, in whatever role you want me to be. You have always been special to me, and nothing can change that. If you need a mother figure, I will be that. If you need a friend, I can be that. And if you need someone who will love, cherish, honor, and defend you...I want to be that. Of all the lovers I have ever had, none of them have made me feel so...whole, as I do when I'm with you. So in answer to your question once more...yes, I love you. I love you so bloody much it scares me."
Hermione listened to Minerva's speech patiently, allowing a good thirty second pause before considering her reply. She wasn't sure if 'I love you, too' was enough after a declaration like that, not to mention, Hermione wasn't sure that she did love Minerva back, that way, yet. She already knew there was plenty of attraction, and it was certainly developing into something more...but she didn't know if love was there the way it obviously was for Minerva.
The younger witch leaned forward slowly, and touched Minerva's cheek with her hand. After a slight hesitation, she leaned forward and kissed Minerva gently on the lips. "I don't know what I feel, but I do know that I need you," she said softly after pulling away. "Beyond that, I suppose time will tell, if you are willing to give me that."
So, as I really have no true plan regarding this fic...I'm just going with the flow, I would like some votes on the focus for the next chapter:
Option A: More conversation regarding Hermione and Minerva's relationship, but from Minerva's point of view.
Option B: Hermione, Minerva, and Draco offically take action against Lucius.
Option C: Hermione and Minerva bonding over the progression of the pregnancy.
Option D: Other...ideas anyone?
