Author's Notes:

I do not own any character that originates from J.K. Rowling's masterpiece of a universe. I just enjoy investigating the "what ifs" of her world.

This is my first story. I have been reading stories from this website by such talented writers and have been inspired to attempt it myself. Thank you for those that have inspired me to try.

If you notice something that could be fixed, I welcome feedback if it is delivered respectfully through PM. Thanks.

Also, when I read or write a romantic interaction between these two wonderful ladies, I envision a Maggie Smith from her film "The Millionaires". As a witch aged 79 she should look like she is in her 40's so that is how I approach the pairing.

Chapter 7: Year 7

It was over. The ragged cloth used by the Dark Fiend lay discarded on the ground after Harry had shocked everyone by appearing out of nowhere to commence the final battle. Hermione was numb as she began to walk, wand still firmly held.

Harry had disappeared under his Invisibility Cloak as he went in search for Ginny and Ron rushed back into the Great Hall with his family to mourn the passing of his brother. Hermione felt a vulnerability wash over her as she realized that she had no one. Her family was oblivious to her struggles of the past year and her friends had gone to the arms of their loved ones.

Before she knew it, she found herself at the edge of the Black Lake. It seemed that she was always with tears in her eyes, but she was grateful to be alive so she wouldn't be too critical about how emotional she has been.

She felt someone join her and turned to see Minerva. After their dream encounter, Hermione didn't know where they stood. When the Trio had come back to finish things at the school there was no time to talk. "Congratulations, Headmistress," Hermione said as she looked away toward the water.

Minerva didn't know what to say either. It felt as if she was at a precipice and while she wanted to jump and see if she could fly, she was afraid of doing it alone and Hermione was being equally as guarded. Taking a risk, Minerva took possession of Hermione's hand and kissed the small cuts and bruises sprinkled along the pale skin.

"We should return to the castle and I can patch you up properly, Hermione. Also, the war might be over, but until all the Followers are caught it would be safe to stick together. Wouldn't' you agree?" said Minerva in a logical and level tone.

"I would guess that Poppy has her hands full. I will just pop us up to my quarters- I have medical supplies there to mend your injuries," Minerva just wanted to have some privacy to speak to the young woman that held her heart. They had survived the war and now, it was time to have a life changing discussion that neither woman was willing to initiate.

Hermione looked at the office that once belonged to Professor Dumbledore and temporarily, Snape. She noticed that they reflected her House's colors rather than greens or silvers. The castle may have been just as unimpressed with the presence of the past Headmaster as the rest of the school and immediately erased traces of his presence. It would be sometime before the truth of his heroics would come to light unfortunately.

Working efficiently, Minerva Accio'ed the necessary medical supplies and guided Hermione to the couch that sat in front of an impressive mahogany coffee table.

"I first have to clean your wounds and then add dittany so I apologize as you know it will sting" Minerva warned her patient.

Hermione didn't' even flinch as the touch of dittany graced her wounds. She looked deep in thought and Minerva wondered if the young woman was suffering from intense shock due to the events that had just transpired. Before Minerva could try to speak to her charge, the young woman spoke with a tone that melted Minerva's heart. It sounded like Hermione was baring her soul and as soon as she finished speaking, Minerva realized that was exactly what she was doing.

"I have loved you for a very long time, Minerva. At first, I thought that it was simply admiration for your intelligence and honorable character that had me enthralled, but as we spent time together I realized that I loved every part of you that you let me see- even your legendary Scottish temper I found alluring," Hermione bit her lip before continuing.

"I won't be coming back to finish the final year. If there is an opportunity to test out I will do that and am sure Kingsley would find a place for me in the Ministry if I asked him to meaning…" Hermione looked at Minerva as she finished her confession. "I am no longer your student, Minerva. I would understand if you would-"

Hermione was not able to finish her thought as Minerva captured her lips in a tender kiss that spoke volumes to Hermione. The kiss communicated love, the promise of commitment and most importantly, acceptance.

It was Minerva's turn for a confession. "Hermione I have watched you grow into a capable, intelligent, and amazing young woman. I have been fond of you since the first time I saw you awe inspired and taking in the sight of the castle your first year. However, your maturity and friendship has caught me unawares and somewhere between then and now I have come to see you as an equal."

Hermione didn't know if Minerva was attempting to let her down easy or was communicating that there was a hope for them in the future, but she could only stare at the woman before her waiting for her to continue.

"We have gone through so much, Hermione. There is so much work to be done" Minerva continued.

At this point, Hermione assumed that Minerva was letting her down easy. She began to stand to retreat with her tail between her legs, but was surprised when strong arms embraced her and spun her around. Minerva took her hands in hers and with a smile on her face finished what she was trying to tell the young woman.

"I know that it will be a long road to rebuild our world and that it will take time to heal all wounds, but I would like to see where this between us can lead- if you'll have me" Minerva said as she gently wiped away Hermione's tears.

"When you were away this past year I was so worried and I kept telling myself I was worried for my cubs which I was, but I was more worried for my lioness," she said as she made to embrace the speechless younger witch. "When you returned to the school I was hit with the realization of just how much you meant to me and I was ready to fight anyone that stood in the way of my returning back to you."

Hermione finally spoke making both of them laugh and diffusing the charged air between them, "Would you be agreeable to going out with me on a date, then" said the cheeky witch.

Relived, Minerva kissed Hermione senseless.

~*~Full Circle~*~

It had been six month since the two witches had confessed their true feelings for the other. As expected, it was a shock to their social circles, but that soon faded because everyone seemed to know after all they had gone through how precious love was to celebrate and cherish.

Hermione was getting ready to meet Minerva for their dinner and movie, but was surprised to see Minx pop into her living room as she went to fetch her coat. "Greetings, Minx! It is so lovely to see you," raved the young woman.

Minx bowed to her friend (Hermione had called her as such!), "Mistress wishes that I take you to a secret place where she mentioned fun and frivolity would be aplenty- whatever that signifies."

Hermione dimmed the lights and checking her wards were in place took the offered hand and they were off.

They arrived to Minerva's Manor that Hermione had visited on two occasions before, but the area they were in resemble a sun room of sorts or opening to the yard. Minerva emerged from a door off to the side and Hermione's breathe escaped her by the vision of beauty that approached her. The familiar warmth that settled on her chest and between her legs made her squirm, but she didn't how Minerva would react. They had only been kissing and hugging thus far and Hermione didn't want to rush her.

"Would you care to take a walk with me, my dear?" asked her love with a mischievous gleam in her eye. Minerva heard Hermione gulp and her smile widened.

The walk was calm as they caught up about their respective weeks and Minerva finally led her to a clearing where a picnic laid complete with tea and a gift wrapped box.

Hermione eyed the spread before her and squeaked when strong arms carried her bridal style and laid her on the blanket. As Minerva opened the box revealing a few leather bound books she began to explain, "After your 5th year I began writing my thoughts in regards to you to try to make sense of the complicated feelings I was having so I wouldn't go insane and after some contemplation I wanted to share with you some of the passages," Minerva said softly as she took a seat and guided Hermione's head to her lap.

When Minerva has finished, tears of joy and overwhelming emotion gleamed in both their eyes. Even when Minerva's feelings were caged under the guide of friendship, Hermione could hear the depth of affection the other woman had for her. In that moment both woman came to a mutual decision about their relationship.

Gingerly Hermione turned her body to face her paramour and she sensually straddled her. Their lips met in a passionate dance and that delicious warmth returned to both of their bodies, but this time neither tried to hide it from the other.

Fingers ran through loosened hair and Minerva hugged Hermione close while pushing herself up to a standing position with one arm having refused to let go of her beloved. With a pop, they appeared in Minerva's bedroom which Hermione had never been to before.

Before laying her down, Minerva paused in their kisses to look into Hermione's eyes to ensure this was what she wanted. Her response was for Hermione to remove her wand and expertly rid them both of their clothing. Shocked, Minerva couldn't help but blush, but Hermione's passion for the other woman had been released and she was not going to stop her hunt for closeness.

With confidence she didn't even know she possessed having never been in this situation, Hermione maneuvered Minerva and untangling her legs from the other woman's waist, pushed her soon to be lover onto the grand bed. It was Hermione's turn to seek permission from Minerva.

"I love you, Minerva with everything I am and I want nothing more than to show just how much I do. Is this what you want?" asked Hermione.

Her answer came when Minerva took the young woman's hand and guided in between her glistening folds resulting in both women moaning into the other's shoulder. Hermione straddled Minerva's thigh and they began to rock against the other until both women could feel the mounting burning that signaled they were close to release.

Looking deep into Minerva's gorgeous and expressive eyes, Hermione told her lover what she wanted, "I want to feel you inside me, my love. I want to mark you and I want you to mark me because I am yours- I always have been."

This spurned their lovemaking to greater heights. Without missing a beat, Minerva performed the spell that would allow her to enter her lover properly and slowly she replaced her fingers with her transfigured anatomy and entered her. Their bodies moved in perfect synchronicity and yet Minerva slowed her movements in an attempt to extend their passion. The slow gliding movements had both witches seeing starts and toes curled in utter bliss.

Hermione was overwhelmed with the waves of sensations Minerva was giving her and her limbs were becoming heavy due to the overload. Finally, as both women felt the fireworks begin to pool at their center, Minerva bit Hermione in the shoulder causing the young woman to fall over the edge. Hermione on impulse returned the dominating kiss with one of her own on her lover's breast.

As they lay in the afterglow of their love, Minerva contemplated when she would ask Hermione to marry her. She decided she would ask her tomorrow after they have dinner with their friends at the Burrow.

The End.