A/N: Helloooo...It's 5 in the morning. Aren't you all glad I'm an insomniac? Enjoy!

Minerva's eyes widened as she took in the woman standing before her. Hermione had grown to stand a head above Minerva, and she looked radiant with skin tanned by her days in the sun and longer curls that seemed to have calmed since Hermione's school days. Her golden eyes shone with humor and Minerva's eyes were drawn to the toned muscle in her arms as she sat a large backpack down on the floor. She watched them ripple as Hermione dusted the soot off of her clothes.

Once clean, she smiled, and Minerva's heart fluttered again. Hermione pointed to the letter, "Is that for me?" Minerva dumbly nodded and held the letter out to Hermione who took it and quickly read it. When she finished, Hermione moved into her personal space and planted her lips firmly on Minerva's. Her eyes closed as Hermione's lips slowly began moving against hers. Relaxing, she returned the kiss. After a few moments, Hermione pulled back, resting her forehead on Minerva's, and whispered, "I'm home, Minerva."

Minerva smiled, "Indeed you are."

Hermione kissed her again and lifted Minerva. "Hermione!" She yelled as she was tossed over the woman's shoulder and was carried outside. "Let's have a picnic."

Minerva rolled her eyes, "Is there a specific reason I cannot walk on my own two legs?!" she yelled irritated and only a little amused. She seemed to have conveniently forgotten how irritating Hermione could be. Hermione laughed, "I saw you checking out my arms."

Minerva chose to remain silent as she folded her arms and resigned herself to being carried to their destination. It had been a surprisingly dry week, as though Mother Nature was in whatever Hermione had planned. Eventually after a walk through the field and a slow trek up a hill, Hermione set her down gently and Minerva was shocked to see a picnic area set up a few feet away from them. She turned to Hermione who gave her a charming smile in return. "I may have gotten back about an hour or two ago and set this up." She shrugged and led Minerva to the blanket that was laid out with food and drink. The sun was low in the sky and as they ate, they watched the sun set while Hermione told Minerva of her travels. Minerva laughing hysterically as Hermione related the story of being chased by Russian muggles.

"Don't laugh!" Hermione said, chuckling herself, "That was terrible! And none of those bastards warned me!" She tossed a grape at the laughing woman and Minerva's eyes twinkled as she tossed a strawberry back at her. They stared at each other and Minerva narrowed her eyes, "Hermione…" she said warningly. The brunette only raised an eyebrow and Minerva quickly stood and ran. She laughed as she was chased and pelted in the back with fruit. Looking behind her, she missed a step and fell. Hermione jumped after her, but was too late. They both rolled down the hill, laughing on the way down with their arms tight around each other.

When they finally stopped rolling, Minerva landed on top of the woman, resting on her forearms as she held herself above Hermione. Slowly, their laughter died down as their eyes met and they realized the proximity of their mouths. Hermione moved one hand from Minerva's waist up to gently cup the woman's face, and ran her thumb over an elegant cheekbone, "I've missed you, Minerva. More than you know." Minerva's cheeks reddened and she softly admitted, "And I you. The manor has been far too quiet without you howling in the halls." Hermione smiled and brought Minerva's mouth down to meet her own.

Minerva's eyes closed as she tasted Hermione's lips. A tongue flicked at her lip, asking for entrance and Minerva gladly gave it. She moaned as an agile tongue poked and prodded her mouth. She sucked on the digit and Hermione growled before flipping them over. Minerva gasped surprised at the action. She shivered as Hermione's lips traveled further down. Minerva held tightly to Hermione's back, as a skilled mouth located that spot just under her jaw that made her melt. She gave a deep moan as Hermione began raining hot kisses back up her jaw. She teased Minerva, sucking on her lip and kissing the corner of her mouth before those delicious lips trailed down the other side of her jaw. She tangled her fingers in Hermione's hair as Hermione sucked hard on her throat, grazing her teeth over the skin. Minerva arched into her and moaned loudly. She whimpered as a growl vibrated against her throat.

Hermione kissed the mark, causing Minerva to shiver. She then returned her lips to Minerva's for a gentle kiss that signaled an end to their impromptu make out session and Minerva held tightly to her, still trying to catch her breath. Hermione smiled and gently brushed her lips over Minerva's cheek. Her voice rough with arousal, she whispered, "That's one hell of a welcome home." Minerva chuckled and hummed in agreement, unable to speak. Soon, the ground became too cold for them to remain there any longer and they walked back to the manor in a comfortable silence. Minerva looked up. It was a waning quarter moon. That meant it would be at least three weeks before Hermione was stalking the halls.

She shivered as her dream came to mind, wondering if she would dream of Hermione tonight. Hermione mistook the shiver for a chill and pulled Minerva into her arms. Minerva gasped. She never noticed how hot Hermione's body was. She half expected smoke to rise off the young woman's body. She moved in closer. It was rather cold.

Hermione sighed, "Not that I'm not happy with the change Minerva, but why are you suddenly okay with this? With me?"

Minerva stopped and took a step back, "Someone of great wisdom has pointed out to me that I have been falling for you for quite some time now. The fact that you forced a marriage out of me is…I'm still not okay with that, but that is more my pride than anything. Hermione you are brilliant, witty, funny," she smiled up at the young woman and looked deep into golden eyes, "And terrifying, but I've come to realize that you won't hurt me. That you do truly love me. That you are not some child as I have previously believe. I was wrong.

I was so used to just saying no to you and dismissing your emotions that I never stopped to notice how amazing you are. This may seem sudden to you, but your letters and the way you've treated me today...I can no longer deny that I do indeed feel something for you Hermione. And once I stopped trying to deny it…" She kissed Hermione putting everything she felt into the kiss.

They parted only when air became a dire requirement. Hermione smiled and pulled Minerva back into her arms as they continued towards the manor.

Upon reaching Minerva's room, Hermione gave her one last kiss goodnight, both to her lips and hand, and retreated to her own room. Minerva smiled even in her sleep.

A few days later, while they were eating breakfast at the table, Hermione asked out of the blue, "Do you trust me?" Minerva immediately answered, "Of course." To which, she received a bright smile. Once they were finished eating, Hermione led her outside.

A/N: So...the next chapter is written...just needs editing. I actually think I might post it in a few minutes.