AN: There's so much to do at the beach, I thought I'd keep them there just a little while longer.
THE TIES THAT BIND
Chapter 10
SANDUVALL ISLAND PART III
The reddish gold of the setting sun cast the peach colored sand in a warm, romantic glow as most of the gathered group clustered together on the first floor veranda over looking the ocean. Tide was coming in and provided Harry and Ron with some amazing waves to enjoy. The sound of the crashing surf placed relaxed and contemplative smiles of various faces.
Hermione Granger leaned against her fiance and sipped her drink. A sweet fruity concoction that tasted of peaches and rum. If she wasn't careful, she might get slightly snockered on the delightful drink that Dinky the house elf had provided for the small gathering. She smiled as she felt a long arm wrap around her shoulder and gentle fingers tangle in her unruly curls. She glanced up to see sparkling emerald orbs peering down at her. Grinning happily, she reached up and pecked her fiance's kissable lips. The love she saw in those delightful green eyes was reflected back in her own warm chocolate ones.
Molly Weasley observed the by play with a "Dumbledore like" twinkle in her blue eyes. She could watch Minerva and Hermione all day. Just basking in the love she felt radiating off of those two. That thought reminded her of yet another pressing matter. Taking a long sip of her own fruity drink, she set her glass on the polished teak table the group found themselves gathered around. Clearing her voice, she said, "I think now would be a good time to discuss a certain up coming event. Don't you think?" She raised a firey eyebrow glancing around the table.
Ginny was idly twirling the pink paper umbrella in her drink. The young woman looked up at her mother. Meeting Molly's eyes, she watched as they slid in the direction of Hermione and Minerva. Catching her mum's idea, she smiled and replied, "A wedding I do believe?"
Rolanda and Jean sat up straighter in their respective chairs. They'd been making moon cow eyes at each other ever since their steamy snogging session on the beach.
Molly shot a mischievious grin in their direction and wondered just who's bedroom was going to be empty tonight. She threw back her head, wild red hair tossing back and let out an amused snort.
Ginny knew exactly what her mother was thinking and joined in with a snicker of her own.
Dawn looked up from the piece of pineapple she was munching on. She could see the unspoken communication between Molly and Ginny. Watching carefully, she realized that they were talking about her own mother and Rolanda. It didn't take magic to figure out the dynamics of that unfolding situation. Winking at the two red heads, she elbowed her sister.
"Ow! Hey..." Hermione's growl silenced immediately when she saw her younger sister gesture towards her mum and Rolanda. The young witch's dark eyes sparkled merrily and the "cheshire cat" grin appeared in all it's infectious glory.
Minerva, seeing the expression on her young love's face, also grinned brightly.
Molly tapped her finger on the table and stated, "What are the plans for your wedding?" She closed her eyes and shook her head at the sudden silence coming from the engaged couple...
Hermione looked at Minerva.
Minerva looked at Hermione.
Both shrugged.
Molly Weasley rolled her eyes heavenward and gave an exasperated, "Oy!"
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Hours later, Molly carefully folded the parchment she'd conjured. Once the conversation finally got rolling, ideas were fired back and forth at light speed. A few of the wedding details were indelibly etched in her scheming mind. For instance...
A) McGonagall Manor was NOT to be the sight of the reception... Minerva was adamant in that respect. The Manor was private, sacred ground and would remain so.
B) Said reception would be held in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. The wedding was to take place on August 20th so there wouldn't be any students lurking.
C) Minerva would wear the colors of her clan.... In other words, her kilt. Molly couldn't wait to see that!
D) Hermione's gown would be a dress that Jean Granger had been treasuring since she was a child and currently had stored safely in the hall closet at the flat in London. Molly vowed to pin Jean down about this mystery gown.
E) John Granger would be asked to give Hermione away, but no one was holding their breath as to his answer. Much to Hermione's sorrow and Minerva's pique.
F) Pending John's imminent refusal, Harry and Ron would give their friend away. Both had puffed up considerably upon hearing this particular tid-bit.
G) The actual ceremony itself would be performed in the Grand Sire's meadow with the unicorns in attendance... they were sort of responsible for prompting Minerva to propose in said meadow after all... Only select friends and family were invited and would arrive via port key.
H) Albus Dumbledore would officiate... Purple robes with golden stars were strictly forbidden!
I) Additions to the list could be made pending approval of the brides to be.
Grinning madly, Molly tucked the parchment into her bra and attacked her drink once more. This was going to be an event to remember!
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Jean Granger paced the far side of the veranda. The impromptu wedding discussion had ended about an hour ago and now she really needed to speak with her eldest daughter. She really wanted to be with Rolanda tonight and had absolutely no idea as to the mechanics involved. She felt rather odd going to her daughter for advice but it was either Hermione or Minerva. The older witch still intimidated her slightly. Not purposely mind you, there was just such regal nobility about the older witch that sometimes Jean felt herself getting a little tongue tied. For this particular delicate discussion, she felt a bit more comfortable with her daughter.
She knew where the young woman was, she just didn't want to interupt. Hermione was lying in a hammock around the far corner of the veranda.... with her fiance. Judging from the sounds she was hearing, Jean knew they were ummm... rather occupied.
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"I love you." The young witch whispered as she ran caressing fingers through silky black hair. She felt strong arms tighten their hold on her body slightly. Muscular legs entangled with her own shapely ones.
"I love you too." Came a purring reply.
Hermione loved it when Minerva relaxed like this. It usually meant that she was in for rather interesting times later in the evening. A cheeky grin made it's way over her lovely features at the thought of making love with the older witch. Her grin widened as she felt elegant fingers make their way under her tank top and slowly meander up the softness of her quivering belly, over her sternum and finally to the hardened nipple of her ample breast. A soft moan escaped her lips as the sensitive, pebbled flesh was lovingly teased. "Mmmmmm... I love it when you do that."
"I know."
She sighed as she felt questing lips nibbling on the baby soft, downy skin of her throat. "Ohhh Minnnn." The young witch moaned as she ran her small, gentle hands over Minerva's strong shoulders and down her back. When her searching hands glided over the small of her fiance's back, she stopped them. Resting on the lovely curve of Minerva's backside. She squeezed slightly. Just enough to elicit a deep growl from the older witch.
The sound of someone clearing their throat caused both witches to stop their caressing and sit up in the hammock.
"Hello?" Hermione called, quickly pulling her tank top down. She noticed the amused smirk on her fiance's face. Planning to give Minerva and quick elbow to the belly, she didn't get the chance as her mother stepped around the corner. "Hey Mum. Everything alright?"
Jean rubbed her hands together nervously. Never in a million years did she think she would EVER be coming to her own daughter for this kind of private advice. Sighing, she looked into her daughter's warm dark eyes and said, "I'd like a moment to talk to you about something."
Both witches gracefully rolled out of the hammock and stepped closer to her. She immediately noticed two sets of pointing nubs through the thin tank tops the women were wearing and knew she'd interupted some intimate moments. "I am so sorry for interupting." She began to back away saying, "I'll come back later." As she turned to go, she felt two hands grip each of her arms. The first was powerfully strong, the second was gentle and soft.
"You obviously need to talk, so what is it?" Hermione inquired as she stepped around to face her mother. She noticed Jean's soft eyes quickly glance in Minerva's direction, then back to her daughter. Comprehending her mother's need to have a private conversation with her daughter, Hermione began to realize just what is was Jean wanted to speak about... so did Minerva.
"I think I'll go see what Rolanda is up to." The older witch stated as she shot her young love a "knowing" look.
Both Grangers watched as the tall, elegant witch padded around the corner of the veranda in search of her long-time friend.
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The Headmistress found her friend sitting on the steps leading from the porch to the beach. The Quiddich Instructor was idly tossing small pebbles further down the path as she watched Harry and Ron still frolicking in the surf. This time Ginny and Dawn were standing knee deep in the invigorating sea water. The young women were laughing as Harry was buried under a huge wave. The young man came up sputtering and shaking a playful fist at the young women.
Rolanda chuckled softly as she watched the young people begin splashing each other. Hearing a sound behind her, she turned to find Minerva standing there watching the same scene as she. There was a small smile on the lovely Headmistress' high boned, aristocratic face. Noticing Hermione's absence, Rolanda asked, "Where's your other half?" She grinned as an elegant eyebrow quirked.
"Having a conversation with your soon-to-be other half."
Rolanda sighed and stood. She looked up at her friend as Minerva started down the steps, "Did she tell you to get lost?"
There was a "knowing" smile on Minerva's beautiful face as she replied, "Not really. Jean wanted to speak to Hermione. I suspect it was concerning you." Her comment brought surprise to the yellow eyes of her good friend. The older witch patted her friend on the shoulder as she passed her; heading for the beach. "Come." Minerva called over her shoulder.
Rolanda followed after her friend, a curious expression on her face.
The two witches didn't speak again until they'd reached the water's edge. Rolanda buried her toes in the sand asking, "What do you think they're talking about?"
The side of Minerva's mouth quivered in a half smirk as she replied, "I suspect Jean is asking for pointers on how to make love to a woman."
Harry, Ron, Ginny and Dawn stopped their horseplay and all turned to look at the older women. Minerva, not realizing that her voice was carrying, continued, "I've been watching her. So has Molly." She grinned and poked a slim finger in Rolanda's newly tanned shoulder and added, "You my dear are going to get royally laid."
Ginny and Dawn whooped loudly as Harry and Ron blushed. They'd never heard Minerva McGonagall say something like that!
Laid???
Both witches realized that the young people had heard their conversation. Rolanda felt her whole body flush as an embarrassed blush made it's way over her skin. Minerva, on the other hand, simply stood there. Hands on slim hips, looking like the goddess of war herself and muttered, "Get over it."
Dawn Granger whooped and sent sea water in the direction of her soon-to-be big sister, "You go Stick! Tell her! Mum's gonna get some tonight!" The young woman bounced up and down excitedly. She didn't notice the older witch stealthily making her way nearer. The others did and stifled their giggles as Minerva reached down with her wand and muttered, "Aqua Leviosa!"
A substantial amount of the Caribbean Sea poured itself over Dawn Granger's head.
"Ahhhhhh! That's cold!" The young woman squealed turning to face Minerva. The latter grinned broadly and started backing up. Dawn kicked out a good amount of sea water at the older witch. Laughing as the Headmistress jumped backwards with the grace and agility of the cat that she was.
Harry and Ron looked at one another, then back at the action. Who knew Minerva McGonagall was so athletic?
Dawn continued to move after the older witch, grinning as Minerva began trotting backwards. "Oh yeah???" She burst into a full run, surprising everyone with her own prowess. Dawn Granger could run like a deer!
Minerva squawked in surprise and turned to run away, but Dawn was too quick. Feeling small but surprisingly strong hands grab her by the back of her tank top, she thought it best to surrender lest her shirt go flying. She wasn't wearing anything underneath it! Using her tactical abilities, she quickly backed into Dawn and spun around. The young woman stumbled backwards but was quickly swept up in the older witch's strong arms. She giggled joyfully as Minerva twirled her around.
"Gotcha now young lady!" There was such joy in the older witch's voice.
Rolanda laughed along with the others. What a wonderful thing to see! Minerva engaging in horseplay with her soon-to-be little sister.
The older witch grinned broadly as she walked up to Ron and plopped Dawn into his muscular arms, "I believe this troublesome sort is your Granger."
The young red haired man nodded his head towards the villa and replied, "I believe your Granger is heading this way."
Minerva turned to see her love trotting towards the group. The older witch's expression turned slightly naughty as she watched Hermione's "assets" bobbing up and down with her movement. She felt a toe nudging her in the ribs.
Dawn grinned as she watched the look on Minerva's face. Still in Ron's arms, but close enough to reach the older witch with her toes, she did just that. Poking with her toe and whispering, "That's the naughtiest expression I have ever seen on your face." She giggled as the older witch winked at her and moved to meet her fiance.
Ron stood there, cradling his sweet Dawn, and blushed once again.
Hermione threw herself into her love's powerful arms, laughing as she too was twirled around. When she was finally lowered back down to the sand, she wrapped her arms around Minerva's neck and pulled the taller witch into a searing kiss. Much to the delight of the watching group.
"WoooHooo! You go Stick! Hermione... you're gonna get laid too!"
Rolanda poked Dawn in the arm, "Behave woman!"
Hermione grinned brightly, the "cheshire cat" making an appearance. Cupping Minerva's cheeks and planting another scorcher on the Headmistress' soft lips, she said, "I certainly hope so!"
The older witch grinned wickedly, an elegant eyebrow raised.
The small group was startled by the sudden appearance of Dinky the House Elf who announced, "Mistress Molly says Dinky is to fetch the family for dinner!"
Ron and Harry let out an excited whoop and headed towards the villa. Ron still carried Dawn in his arms. The young woman was heard by the remaining group trailing behind saying, "Honey you can put me down at any time."
As they reached the villa, the group saw Molly standing on the porch with George and an attractive buxom blonde. The young woman smiled at everyone saying, "Hi." She was dressed in cut off denim shorts and her generous breasts were enclosed in a skimpy yellow bikini bra with green polka dots.
Rolanda elbowed Minerva and sang, "It was an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini..."
McGonagall shook her head as Hermione threw her head back laughing so hard her eyes began to tear up. Ginny followed suit, giggling into her hand.
George grinned broadly as he put a long arm around the buxon blonde's small shoulders, "Listen up you sods. This lovely lady has been sent by the next villa down the beach with a friendly challenge." He smiled down at the pretty young beach bunny saying, "Go ahead sweetie."
The young woman let out a nervous giggle and said, "Like so my brother sent me to... ya know.. ask if you'd be interested in a friendly quiddich match tomorrow morning?"
George looked into McGonagall's intense emerald eyes and saw them gleam excitedly.
Hooch grinned ferally and turned to give Harry and Ron a challenging look. The two young men looked at the older witches. A chance to play quiddich with McGonagall and Hooch?
Ginny had a far off, dreamy look in her crystal blue eyes.
Hermione and Dawn, the only non-playing individuals in the group surveyed their companions curiously. Dawn whispered, "Uh oh..."
Hermione stepped forward, passed her gob-smacked companions and looked the young woman in her slightly crossed blue eyes and asked, "What's your name?"
The young woman flipped her long blonde hair and replied, "Candi..."
Minerva rolled her eyes and added, "Your full name dear."
Giggling, the young woman replied, "Oh.. hee-hee... My name is Candi Barr."
Hermione ran a hand through her unruly chestnut mane and gave the young woman the once over. She was mentally comparing her "attributes" against this newcomer, "Humph! You tell your brother that Harry Potter and friends gladly accept his challenge!"
The young woman's eyes widened. She turned to face George saying, "You didn't say you were staying with Harry Potter!"
George grinned mischieviously and said, "My bad."
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-to be continued
AN: Sorry about the delay. Life has a habit of intruding in the most inconvenient ways...