I underestimated word flow so i'm doing this chapter and one more before posting a small epilogue.

Reviews appreciated.


They hadn't been in Minerva rooms more than five minutes. Hermione had been obviously distracted by the woman's collection of books. It wasn't to last though and Minerva was almost relieved to have the tension broken.

"You left." Hermione stated flatly as she turned to the witch.

"I did. I didn't think you would want to see me after I..." Minerva trailed off not wanting to say out loud what she believed she had done.

"You're a fool Minerva. You did not force yourself on me. You or the Beast. I was completely willing." Hermione huffed looking the woman over with an shot of annoyance on her face.

"You were a virgin! How could you have been willing to give yourself to a monster for your first time?" Minerva scowled at the little witch who scowled right back.

"You weren't so concerned when you asked me to consider it! Now its happened you want to act like its some heinous act." Hermione fairly growled the words back.

"I... Hermione... gods, i'm sorry this even had to happen at all." Minerva sighed in defeat and looked at the ground.

"I'm not." Hermione's voice had gotten so soft and small that Minerva had to look up just to be sure the little witch was still in the room.

"God Minerva, i've been in love with you since around the time of the Yule Ball in fourth year." Hermione laughed, it was a little self-deprecating laugh that really let her insecurities show.

Minerva stared at the little witch for a long moment. She couldnt say it back, there was no way she was ready for that, she could barely admit it to herself. That didnt mean she had to be a cow about things though which was why she walked over to Hermione and wrapped her arms around the little woman. Hermione leaned into her hiding her face against Minerva's chest.

"I need a bath." Hermione mumbled into the clothed chest.

"Let's take a bath then." Minerva spoke softly, perhaps she could show the little witch instead of saying it.


It was barely twenty minutes later when Minerva got to appreciate the truly surprising confidence that the young witch possessed. It shouldn't have been surprising but due to the fact that over the years she had been ridiculed, either for being a know it all or a muggleborn so it was both surprising and impressive that Hermione was confident enough to strip down to skin right in front of her. But Hermione had always held her head high so it was believable that it would be no different.

A little more surprising was when, instead of settling in the bath at the other end, Hermione moved so she was straddling Minerva and moved to kiss her deeply. Minerva returned it just as deeply, her tongue sliding into the willingly open mouth of her lover. Minerva may have been aware the night before even if she wasnt in control but being aware and being an active participant were two different things and participating was much better.

Feeling the little witch was incredible in its own right but being the reason she made such delicious sounds, the cause for her gasped begging for more, it was intensely satisfying for a woman who had never had such a responsive lover let alone one she felt so strongly for. The bath was cold by the time they were ready to get out but that was only to move to the bed where they spent another several long moments in the throes of their passion. In fact it was mid-afternoon before they were quiet, laying on Minerva's bed side by side.

"I really am sorry for leaving. That was an awful thing to do." Minerva says breaking the silence finally.

"It sucks, but i understand." Hermione returns looking over at the woman beside her.

"I kind of hate it you know... i don't want to be this... strange hybrid. I feel like i'm slowly losing myself." Minerva speaks softly.

"Have you tried anything?" Hermione looked away, looking instead at the ceiling as she was reminded again that Minerva only wanted her because the beast did.

"A few spells, i tried redoing my animagus. It didn't work though. I just want to be a cat again." Minerva sighs softly looking at Hermione who was looking at the ceiling.

"I don't want to kick you out Hermione, but I fear Mr Potter and Mr Weasley would be quite worried for you." Minerva says reaching out and running her fingers through the soft curly hair.

"Yeah. I should go and see them and tell them... something. Can we... do this again?" Hermione asked looking at the woman.

"I'm not sure it's wise. At school at least. You're of age but here you're also under my legal care." Minerva explains gently and Hermione nods and sits up but not before Minerva sees the hurt in those gorgeous chocolate eyes. Yet she doesn't know how to make the witch feel better.

"I understand." Hermione say she softly, showing an impressive display of magic as she wandless and wordlessly summons her clothes from the bathroom.

Minerva wasn't sure she did but maybe this was best, she would simply have to control her urges towards the witch and maybe the young woman would get over her feelings. Silently she hoped not, she would cherish a future with Hermione, but how fair would that be for the young woman with so much life ahead of her.

"I'll see you in class tomorrow." Hermione spoke only once she was dressed. She leaned over and kissed Minerva on the cheek and then left without another word. They were both hurting for similar reasons, Minerva because she didn't want to expect Hermione to stay and Hermione because she thought Minerva didn't want her too.


Instead of returning to Gryffindor Tower where she knew her friends would be waiting for her Hermione instead went straight for the dungeons. She loved Minerva, wanted to be with her, but it was apparent that that was not what Minerva wanted. Yet it wasn't going to stop the determined little witch from giving Minerva her life back.

"Miss Granger. I assume you're here to inquire about Ms. Skeeter?" Severus Snape inquired in his usual drawl.

"No sir, she take a flying leap for all I care. I was wondering if you might help me." Hermione says forwardly as she looked up at the man.

"And what, pray tell, could you possibly need my help with?" He asks skeptically.

"Minerva." Hermione says simply, the look on Severus Snape's face was almost comical.

"Surely you don't expect... relationship advice." The disgust in his tone was palpable.

"No! I mean... she's tried other things to get rid of... The Beast. Spells and such, but we both know she's shite at potions and I think a potion is where the answer lies." Hermione managed not to blush but she almost laughed at the relief on her potion masters face.

"Where do you suppose we would start?" The Head of Slytherin asked.

"So you're going to help me?" Hermione asks smiling brightly. Professor Snape simply raised an expectant brow.

"Right. I think we should start with the Wolf's-bane potion." Hermione supplied sounding all business suddenly.

"Why that one?" The Potions Master inquired seriously.

"Because Minerva is like this because she was bitten by a werewolf while in mid animagus transformation. The animagus magic and the werewolf curse both change a persons genetic make up." Hermione explains seriously and Severus raises his eyebrow.

"I suppose I really shouldn't be surprised by this. Alright. Do what study you can on it and I will look into things. I expect you in my potions lab early Saturday morning." Snape says and almost smirked when saw the smile on the young Granger's face.

"Thank you, Professor. I truly appreciate it." Hermione said happily, Severus simply nodded and the young witch turned and practically skipped her way out of the dungeon.