Sorry for the delay, I just got so into Fighting Fate haha!
The two weeks passed quickly, quicker than either Minerva or Hermione would have liked and on the eve of their return to Hogwarts, Hermione voiced the concerns that had been eating away at her throughout the stay.
It was a night in the library, in front of the fire.
"Minerva?"
"Hmmm?" Minerva was engrossed in a book.
"We go back to Hogwarts tomorrow, or you do."
Minerva's eyes didn't leave the page, "Yes, I know. I planned the trip remember?"
Ignoring the slightly sarcastic comment, Hermione continued on, "Yes, but, the staff will begin returning" Hermione lost patience and reached out, effectively closing the book and placing two fingers underneath Minerva's chin and encouraging her to face her.
Minerva smirked and seized the off guard opportunity, she quickly leaned forward and parted lips that were arranged in a scowl with her tongue, plunging her own inside. Hermione moaned and the sudden movement and begin to dual Minerva's tongue with her own before Minerva disengaged the kiss and sat back with a rather smug expression on her face.
"You are so easy to distract."
"Not fair!" Hermione panted, but she had a smile on her face, "I'm serious Minerva."
"I know love, and worried without preamble, I have discussed everything with Filius and it's all arranged if you want it."
"I don't understand."
Minerva smiled, and reached out and gently stroked Hermione's cheek, "Good. You can't know everything."
"Tell me" Hermione whispered, her eyes closing at the contact.
"Well," began Minerva, whose fingertips had moved from Hermione's cheek and were now playing across a bottom lip, "I thought that you might stay with me."
Hermione's eyes opened, "You mean it?"
Minerva laughed at the surprised look on Hermione's face, "Yes I mean it. I love you."
"I love you too." Hermione replied with a smile, "won't… um…"
"You can ask me anything love"
"Well it's just, the staff, won't they think it's strange?"
Minerva laughed again.
"Do you?"
Hermione scoffed.
"Well of course not, I love you. Our ages are meaningless."
Minerva smiled.
"It may surprise you to hear this but, Rolanda came to me in your sixth year under the illusion that we were having some sordid affair."
"No way!" exclaimed Hermione and then she laughed, and Minerva watched the changes of her love's face, the mirth-filled eyes warm and joyful, those beautiful lips framing a perfect smile. Once Hermione calmed down Minerva said.
"You really are beautiful you know."
Hermione chuckled only to be stopped by strong fingers under her chin.
"Really Hermione, you are beautiful" Minerva said forcefully, "Beautiful and… and young" a slight blush crept up Minerva's neck as she said the words she needed Hermione to hear, "If you ever feel… feel like… like I'm holding you back, you must tell me." Minerva's eyes filled with tears, "I… I could never… stand… stand the idea that, I… that I held you back." She finished with a sigh.
It was Hermione's turn to surprise and leaning forward she brought her lips to Minerva's and she tried to pour all the passion and love that she felt for the woman before her into the kiss. A moment passed before Minerva responded, strongly pushing Hermione, who was wearing a grin on her face on her back on the sofa while Minerva raised herself above. Minerva shed her robe and thrust her tongue into Hermione welcoming mouth.
Moans poured from Hermione's throat at the increased tempo, Minerva had risen to the bait. Hermione gasped as she felt a strong thigh pressed against her sex, "how… could… you… ever" Hermione gasped, "hold… me… back?"
Hermione forced herself to break the contact and sat up, taking Minerva with her. Then she did something that shocked Minerva, she hugged her, hugged her like she'd never embraced her before. Her fingers grabbed at Minerva's thin under robe and she held her to her as if she was afraid this was the last time she would see her.
"I love you, I love you so much I feel when you're near me, it's like I'm tuned in to where you are and wherever you are Minerva, that's where I want to be. I am gasping for breath and you haven't even broken a sweat" Hermione moved their foreheads together, smiling at the warm breath on her face, "I know my mind Minerva and I am meant to be with you. You hold me back, honestly, call yourself the brightest witch of the age" Hermione finished and Minerva let out a teary laugh.
The talking ceased, but they held each other for much longer that night and when Hermione had fallen asleep with her arms around her love, Minerva lifted her into her arms and carried them to her bed, where she cradled the woman she loved, the woman, she realised, she had always loved.
For the first time in years, Minerva McGonagall fell asleep feeling safe.
A/ N: R + R