So exams happened last week. Sorry about the lack of update. However, fear not! It's here now!
I hope you enjoy it. There may be a few mistakes because I beta all of my fic myself. This has been brought to my attention as I took the time to read through my previous chapters and cringed every time I saw a typo. I apologise that you've had to put up with that... I'm sorry about me.
So enjoy! Read, review if you'd like to. Warning! Angst happens, have chocolate handy.
Special thanks to: Rioshix, devilsspy and rosswellmorgana
Welcome to my humble abode.' Quinn announced, gesturing wildly with her hand around the hallway in which she and Hermione now stood.
'Quinn, I've been here before...' Hermione stated confusedly.
'Fine whatever. Be no fun, that's cool too.' Quinn frowned and crossed her arms over her chest, pouting at Hermione, earning an eye roll from the brunette accompanied by an amused smile.
'You're so adorable.' Hermione whispered, stepping towards her girlfriend.
Quinn rolled her eyes before holding her arms out for a long awaited hug.
Hermione happily obliged and threw herself into Quinn's arms squealing slightly as she was consumed by the warmth she had so dearly missed.
'God I missed you so much Min' Quinn breathed out into Hermione's neck.
'I missed you too.' Hermione added, softly kissing Quinn's cheek.
Hermione squealed when she felt a pair of lips attacking her neck oh so deliciously.
'Quinn!'
'Mmmh.' Quinn replied, not breaking her mouth away from Hermione's skin.
'Your mum?'
'She's out with friends.
'Oh.' Hermione managed to squeak out as she felt Quinn lightly bite her pulse point before running her tongue back over it, causing Hermione's eyes to roll back into her head.
Quinn's lips then found their way to Hermione's lips, placing a hungry kiss onto them as she softly caressed Hermione's cheek with her thumb.
'Mmm. I missed doing that.' Quinn smiled as she pulled back from the kiss, her eyebrow quirking as she looked at her very red, very shaky girlfriend.
'I missed you doing that too...' Hermione whispered.
'Right! Baking!' Quinn announced, punching the air with her fist
'Let's do this!' Hermione joined before following a very exited Quinn into the kitchen.
A large squeal filled the kitchen as Hermione tried, and failed, to duck the handful of flour that was currently flying at her face. She stood in shock as the powder hit her square in the face, glaring at Quinn who was currently laughing her little head off in the corner of the kitchen.
'Quinn!' Hermione yelled trying desperately to try and brush some flour off of her, only succeeding in rubbing it in to her clothes.
'Aww, Hmmmiomme, Im smmmy' Quinn apologised, her mouth full of cookie.
The first batch had been surprisingly successful in Hermione's opinion, especially for somebody who managed to burn everything she ever tried to make. Even Crookshanks had turned his nose up at it one time during the holidays and that cat ate literally everything. That was probably the reason that he had recently grown so obese and was unable to fly, meaning he was currently staying with Luna.
Hermione looked around and eyed the bowl of sugar on the counter top and grinned devilishly. She shuffled over to the counter top so as not to disturb Quinn, who was still munching happily on the entire batch of cookies. Reaching her hand out she internally cheered as she managed to grab the bowl and hide it behind her back.
'Don't worry, it's no problem.' Hermione shrugged, causing Quinn's head to shoot up in confusion.
'Eh?'
'It's not a big deal... Come here.' Hermione asked, tilting her head and biting her lip.
Quinn didn't think twice before dropping her cookies and practically running over to her girlfriend and standing between her legs. She leaned into Hermione until their foreheads were touching.
Quinn raised her thumb and brushed some flour off Hermione's lips, not taking her eyes of them for a second. She gasped as Hermione wrapped her lips around her thumb and slowly ran her tongue over it.
Hermione smirked as Quinn let out a whimper, staring at her lips longingly.
At that moment Hermione quickly reached behind her and in one big swig dumped the entire bowl of sugar over Quinn's head.
The blonde jumped back in shock, shaking her hair to get the offending object off her.
'What the...? You little...!' Quinn exclaimed before lunging for Hermione, her hands relentlessly tickling the girl's sides.
'No! Quinn! Stop!'
'Say you're sorry!'
'Never!'
'Say it!'
'No!'
'Well then, I have no choice...'
Quinn smirked before reaching over and dipping her fingers in the chocolate. Bringing her hand back she smeared the goop all down Hermione's cheek and then in her hair.
Hermione sat for a minute in shock before looking at Quinn.
'Right. You're in for it now.' Hermione challenged.
She skirted around Quinn and sped to the other counter, picking up the bowl of batter and the wooden spoon.
'What are you...? No! Hermione!' Quinn yelled as the brunette advanced on her, sporting a devilish grin.
With no hesitation Hermione dipped the spoon in the cookie mix and began to fling it at Quinn.
The first splodge landed on the girl's apron. The next on her arm. The final one was the winner, landing smack bang in Quinn's face.
'You're dead Hermione. You hear me? Dead.' Quinn joked as she reached out blindly for the first thing she could grab a hold of. This happened to be the mix of eggs, flour and sugar she was just in the middle of mixing.
All out war broke out in the kitchen. Batter mix flew everywhere, covering each girl in an assortment of ingredients.
'Stop! Stop!' Hermione cried out after a few minutes, unable to take this anymore. The combination of laughing like a maniac and running away from Quinn was exhausting. She needed rest.
'Baby.' Quinn taunted before flinging yet more batter at the girl.
'Truce!' Hermione yelled, placing the bowl on the side and holding up her hands.
Quinn looked at her girlfriend, covered in cookie mix, breathing heavily and looking purely adorable and caved.
She placed her bowl on the side and nodded, trying to catch her breath.
'Truce. Now let's get you cleaned up.' Quinn grinned, raising her eyebrow and walking over to Hermione.
Hermione grinned back in response and welcomed the kiss that followed. She moaned as she tasted the chocolate on Quinn's lips.
She felt Quinn's hands encircle her waist, pulling her closer into her embrace.
'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE?'
A loud crash followed the shout as Judy's bags fell to the floor, spilling the contents at her feet.
Quinn whirled around in surprise and fear as she heard her mother yell. Her face paled as she saw her mother standing in the doorway to the kitchen, glaring at her. Scratch that. She was glaring through her, bearing into her soul. It sent a chill down her spine. This was bad. This was very, very bad.
'Mum, I can explain...' Quinn whispered her voice cracking in fear
'There is nothing to explain!' Quinn flinched as her mother yelled at her, pointing as she did so.
She relaxed a little as Hermione wrapper her arm around her waist and squeezed gently, trying to calm the girl.
Judy span to the left as she saw the action, pointing at Hermione.
'And you! Don't you touch her you little hussy! Coming in here and corrupting my daughter. I trusted you but now I see you're nothing more than a little tart.'
'Mum! Don't call her that.' Quinn yelled, moving to stand in front of Hermione.
This action surprised everybody in the room, including Quinn herself.
'Why do you hate me Quinn? What have I done to you?' Her mother asked, holding her arms out in question.
'W-what do you mean?'
'First you make us move so you can change schools, then you ask us for a nose job, and then you start dating that idiot Finn Hudson instead of all of the nice young Christian boys we picked. Then you get pregnant at 16 to a Jew, you cause your Father to leave us, then you give up your baby. And now, well now you're a dyke? As if you hadn't caused us enough shame.''
'Mum, please...'
'I have tried so hard Quinn. I have tried so goddamned hard to support you. Where has that got me? The old, divorced, laughingstock of all of my friends with a gay daughter. I just can't anymore.'
'W-what are you...?'
'Get out of my house Quinn.' Judy sighed, shaking her head at her daughter.
'What?' Quinn spluttered, her eyes wide as she looked at her mother.
'You heard. Get. Out. Of. My. House. Both of you.' She spat, glaring at Hermione as she did so.
'Judy...' Hermione tried, stepping forward.
'Get out!' She pointed at the door.
Quinn began to sob as she stood looking at her own mother. Her own mother that was kicking her out. This couldn't be happening.
'Out!'
'Quinn baby, come on.' Hermione cooed into her ear, pulling her towards the door.
'Mum...' Quinn whispered as she gazed at Judy who was now refusing to make eye contact with her.
'Come on...' She heard Hermione whisper encouragingly into her ear as she directed her out of her house and into Hermione's car.
Hermione practically carried a sobbing Quinn out of her car and up the path to her house.
'Shh sweetie, it's gonna be ok.' She whispered, placing a kiss to the top of her head, struggling to hold back her own tears as she felt her girlfriend shake with the ferocity of her sobbing. If only she knew how to make this right.
She had never in her life felt so useless or helpless. She was Hermione fucking Granger! She'd defeated Voldemort himself. She'd gone back in time to fool a werewolf. She'd survived torture at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange. But now... Now she couldn't do anything to make this better. She couldn't do anything about the broken girl in her arms, clinging to her. She hated Judy Fabray, more than she'd ever hated anybody in the entire world, muggle or wizard. God if only you could use magic on unsuspecting muggles...
She managed to open the door and steer the girl inside before closing it behind them.
Hearing the door close Jean Granger strolled out from the kitchen into the hallway to greet her daughter.
'Hello dear, you're back ea...' The words died on her lips as she saw her daughter, covered in what seemed to be some kind of cake batter silently crying as she held up her friend who was in a similar state.
'What happened?' Jean asked she rushed forward to help Hermione carry Quinn.
'It's a long story; I'll tell you in a second, can we just get her sat down.' Hermione pleaded with her mum, her voice breaking as she looked back at Quinn.
'Yes, yes, of course. Edward! Make some tea; we're having a problem!'
At the call Edward came to the doorway between the living room and the hallway. His eyes widened as he looked at the scene in front of him and he immediately made his way into the kitchen.
The two Grangers made their way into the living room and managed to sit Quinn down on one of the settees, Hermione sitting next to her.
As soon as Hermione settled next to Quinn she felt a pair of arms fly around her neck and a face bury itself into her shoulder. She rested her cheek on the top of Quinn's hair and began to stroke the girls back, trying desperately to comfort her. All the while she could feel the lump on the back of her throat building. No. She had to be strong. For Quinn.
She offered her dad a watery smile as he placed a cup of tea on the coffee table in front of her before sitting down next to her mother on the opposite settee.
'Oh, honey, what's wrong?' Jean asked Hermione, her eyes full of worry.
'Well... It's a long story. Before I tell it I need to tell you something...' She took a deep breath before looking back up at her parents, 'It's me and Quinn. We're...'
'Together?' Finished her father, shooting a knowing smile at his daughter.
'Yes... How did you?' Hermione whispered.
'You're my daughter. I know you. You're also a terrible liar.' Jean chuckled causing Hermione to smile for a second.
'And are you... Are you ok with it?'
'Quinn is the kindest, sweetest young girl I have ever met. Of course I am ok with it. So is your Father. My girl is happy, what more could I want?' Jean finished her speech with a shrug, grabbing onto her husband's hand and smiling proudly at the two girls on the settee.
Hermione felt Quinn's sobbing pause for a minute. The girl finally raised her head and looked at Hermione, trying to smile. Her face was red from the tears, her eyes lacking their usual sparkle. Turning around to face her girlfriend's parents Quinn asked,
'You're really ok?' she whispered in disbelief.
'Of course dear.' Jean replied, reaching out to grab Quinn's hand.
She held it there, stroking the back of it with her thumb and offering her a warm, motherly smile.
Hermione felt a tear fall down her face at the display. God. Her parents. They were the best people.
'Well, therein lies the problem.' Hermione continued. She wrapped her arm around Quinn's back, rubbing it reassuringly. 'Well Quinn's mum found out about...us. And she wasn't... She wasn't happy.' Hermione tried to think of a way to put her explanation without causing Quinn further distress.
'What do you mean?'
'Well... She...'
'She threw me out.' Quinn whispered.
Jean and Edward looked on in shock as they tried to process what they had just heard.
'She threw you out of your own house...?'
'Yeah...'
'Why would anybody do that?' Edward asked, disbelievingly. 'Their own child...'
'Because I brought shame on the family.' Quinn added, a bitter tone creeping into her voice. As she finished her face crumpled as another set of sobs racked through her body. She turned herself to bury her face I Hermione who embraced her.
Hermione shot her parents a pleading look as she tried desperately to think of something to do.
She had never in her life felt more helpless.
'How is she doing?'
'She's asleep... that's something.' Hermione shrugged
Hermione leaned back against her door and sighed deeply. She shrugged once more before finally allowing the tears to fall down her cheeks.
Jean leaned in instantly and gathered her daughter in a hug.
'Hermione, we're here for you. Both of you. I want you to know that Quinn is welcome to stay here while we get this whole thing sorted out'
'I love you.' Hermione sighed as she squeezed her mother, lifting her head to look at her Father and smiling gratefully at him.
'And you can both sleep in your bed. So long as there's no... Funny business.'
'Mum!' Hermione pulled back from the hug, blushing furiously as she tried to hide her eyes from her mother.
A large sigh filled the room as Quinn's eyes slowly began to open. She blinked a few times before looking at the room around her, trying to figure out where she was. Hermione's room. Of course... The events of yesterday hit her like a ton of bricks. Come to think of it she'd rather be hit by a ton of bricks; at least it'd be a cooler story...
That look in Judy's eye haunted her. She'd even dreamt about it. She was so disappointed, so angry, so disgusted. She knew that it was never going to go well. Her mum was hardly going to bake her a coming out cake and take her shopping for flannel shirts. But she'd never imagined that her mother would say those things... But the more and more Quinn thought about them, the more Quinn thought them to be true. She was right. She had done all of those things. She had singlehandedly destroyed her family.
She held back a sob at the thought. She was damaged goods and she knew it. She still couldn't understand why the hell Hermione was even wasting her time with her. It had shocked her that she hadn't run as soon as Quinn had told her that she was a mother. And now she was crashing in her home. She thanked God for Hermione and her parents. They had taken her in and accepted her with open arms. At least that's one set of parents who accept them. But what would happen when Hermione's parents found out about Quinn's history? Did they already know? Did they hate her?
As if sensing Quinn's distress even in her state of sleep Hermione's arm snaked around her front, grabbing her and holding her in place. She had to smile as Hermione nuzzled her nose into the back of Quinn's neck, humming happily. Quinn covered Hermione's hand with her own, absentmindedly tracing patterns on the back of it with her fingers. She let out a contented sigh at feeling the warmth of her girlfriend against her back. She'd never have thought of herself as a little spoon but it seemed to work. Her heart felt less heavy in her chest. With a small smile on her lips Quinn drifted back off into a Hermione filled sleep.
She had no idea what was going to happen but at least Hermione made it that bit better.
'Quinn.' Hermione whispered, almost scared to break the silence that had built up as they lay next to each other. She'd been awake for a few minutes now, her gaze roaming over Quinn's back. She watched its gentle rise and fall as she thought. After a while she noticed Quinn's breathing change as the blonde woke up.
'Yeah.' Quinn answered, her voice laced with sleep.
'How... How are you feeling?' Hermione asked tentatively.
'Fine.' Quinn whispered quickly, burying her face into the pillow and dragging the covers upa round her neck.
The brunette frowned and shuffled back a little. She tugged on Quinn's shoulder, trying to get the girl to turn her over
Quinn shoved her face into the covers and began to shake her head.
'Quinn, turn over.'
'Mmmo.' Came the muffled reply.
'Quinn, please...'
No reply.
'Quinn, look at me.' Hermione whispered, her tone pleading.
Slowly Quinn turned around until she was facing her girlfriend. She furiously wiped at her tear stained cheeks, refusing to meet Hermione's gaze.
'Oh Quinn...'
Hermione wrapped her arms around Quinn, engulfing her in an embrace.
'I'm sorry Hermione... I'm so sorry.' Quinn repeated over and over again, clinging desperately to Hermione's t-shirt as she sobbed into her neck.
'Don't apologise. You have nothing to apologise for.' Hermione whispered, tears falling down her own cheeks.
What the hell were they going to do?
'Well school starts next week so things might improve then... I just feel so helpless. I don't know what I can do to help her, she just seems so down. She keeps saying that all of this is her fault. It's killing me...'
'She has every reason to be down, but it's not her fault.'
'I know Mum... But what can I do? She won't listen to me. She just tries to pretend that she's ok. Just tell me what to do. I just want to know so I can do it. I'd do anything to help her...'
'Well, maybe just try to keep her mind off it. Focus her on other things. Oh! Why don't you have another girl's day in? Get Ginny and Britt around, lighten the mood. Your Father's at a conference and I'll even get out of your hair.'
'That could work... but you don't have to leave on my account.'
'Oh don't worry; I have things to do, people to see.'
'Are you sure?'
'Of course darling.' Jean said with a warm smile.
'Thank you... And Mum?'
'Yes?'
'Thank you for everything... You and Dad. You've been amazing. Taking Quinn in and being ok with everything. I love you so much.'
'Hermione, you're our little girl. I'll love you no matter what; don't be afraid to talk to me. And as for Quinn she can stay here for as long as she needs to.'
Hermione could feel the tears welling up in her eyes as she leaned over to give her mum a hug.
Voldemort had no idea what he was talking about. Muggles or not. Hermione's parents were the best parents in the world.
'So there I am, flying through the air, Lord knows how fast, and this complete twat just barges me off my broom. Then, as if that wasn't enough he just smiles and hits his bludger at me whilst I'm in mid air. If it hadn't been for Pip, the seeker, catching me with his broom, I could've been sat here today eating this through a straw.' Ginny finished, holding up her doughnut to emphasise her point.
'Jesus...' Hermione whispered, her eyes wide.
'I know, I saw the whole thing. It was horrific. He got sent off and banned for a match.' Luna mumbled, her mouth full of doughnut. 'Harry went mad. Rightly so.'
'Aww. He's a meanie... I'm glad you're ok though.' Brittany smiled, sending Ginny a thumbs up.
Quinn remained silent throughout the exchange, her gaze fixed instead on the bruises covering Ginny's face and the wrist brace she was wearing. Quidditch sounded dangerous... Her gaze then averted to the newest blonde member. Luna. She was torn between finding the girl hilarious and being incredibly jealous that this girl had ever laid her hands on her Hermione...
She leaned back into Hermione, searching for the girl's arm to wrap around her. The comfort of Hermione's warm embrace made her smile lightly. Yes, Hermione really made it that bit better. When she was sat, like this, in her girlfriend's arms, surrounded by her new friends, everything felt ok. She could almost forget that she was technically homeless and had been abandoned by her Mother. Almost.
When Hermione had suggested this day she had objected, saying that she didn't feel like seeing anybody. However, the more she thought about it the more she thought it could be good for her. To see people who knew about her and Hermione and were happy about it. Plus, it would give Hermione a rest. The brunette had tried to keep a brave face but Quinn had seen her smile begin to fade with every time that Quinn refused to eat, or talk, or socialise.
The last straw had come when she'd seen Hermione sobbing in her mother's arms one night on the settee. Quinn had decided to come downstairs to see where her girlfriend was, when she heard a noise coming from the living room. She stood behind the doorway, hidden, watching her girlfriend come apart in Jean's arms.
Quinn's heart had broken when she heard the girl whispering, 'What do I do Mum?' over and over again.
If her Mum didn't accept the fact that she was gay then fuck her. She wasn't worth hurting Hermione over.
She smiled as she felt Hermione place a kiss to the top of her head. Humming in contentment she started to play with Hermione's hand that was splayed over her chest. She stroked the back of her hand before lifting it up and placing a kiss to the inside of her wrist.
As she looked up she was met with a pair of sad eyes, watching their interaction.
'What's up Britt? You look sad...' She asked, gaining the attention of everyone in the room.
'I am... I feel like a sad little panda.' Britt replied, her bottom lip protruding.
'Aww, what's up cous?' Luna asked, leaning over to place her arm around Brittany.
'It's Santana.'
'What did she do?' Quinn asked, her voice taking on a tone of anger. God, what had she done now...? Why would she hurt Britt?
'She... Well she came over to my house two days ago and said that she needed to talk to me which is weird because we never do that... And then...' A tear ran down her face, causing everybody in the group's hearts to melt. A crying Brittany was a horrible thing to see. It was like somebody kicking a puppy.
'She told me that she loved me and that she wanted to be with me, for real. She said 'fuck what everybody else thinks' and then asked me to be her girlfriend...'
'That's amazing!' 'Wow...' 'Aww!' 'That's so sweet!' All four girls exclaimed simultaneously.
Brittany just began to shake her head, crying harder.
'No, it's not amazing.'
'Why B? Isn't that what you wanted?' Quinn asked softly.
'Yeah... But that was before Artie. I told her that I couldn't, because of him. It's not fair on him. I like him too.'
'But it's Santana... And you're Brittany. You're Santana and Brittany.' Quinn stated in disbelief.
'I know... And now she won't speak to me. I went to her house but her Mum says she hasn't been home. And I feel really bad but it's her fault. Everybody thinks I'm the stupid one but it's her. If she hadn't waited so fucking long we'd be together right now. SHE MESSED WITH ME FOR YEARS! IT'S HER FAULT!' Brittany yelled before covering her face with her hands and dissolving into sobs.
Luna wrapped her arms around her and began whispering to her soothingly.
Quinn cursed Santana under her breath. Brittany was right; she had brought it upon herself. On the other hand she felt for her friend. She needed to speak to her; she was probably a wreck...
'This calls for ice-cream.' Ginny stated.
'Just a minute!' Judy Fabray shouted as she dried her hands on the tea towel. She power walked to the door and flung it open with a smile. Her smile turned to confusion as she was met with an unfamiliar face.
'Sorry about the wait, I was doing the dishes. May I help you?'
'Oh, it's quite alright. Yes, are you Judy Fabray?'
'I am.'
'Hi, I'm Jean Granger. I think we should talk.'
Brittany's crying had stopped after about an hour, partially thanks to the ice cream and partially due to the Disney marathon that was currently going on.
The subject of Quinn's mother hadn't been brought up, much to Quinn's relief. She didn't want this day to be about that, she just wanted to relax.
She giggled as Hermione heaped a scoop of ice cream onto the spoon and offered it to her.
She opened her mouth as wide as it would go and gleefully accepted it, moaning at the taste. God that ice cream was good.
Hermione raised her eyebrow at the noise, smirking a little.
'Ugh, get a room.' Ginny yelled across the room, causing Quinn and Hermione to blush.
'We weren't doing anything!' Quinn defended.
'Yeah, yeah.'
Quinn flagged her off, causing Ginny to stick her tongue out before grinning causing Quinn to chuckle.
The blonde turned back to look at her girlfriend.
She grinned goofily as Hermione sat, her face covered in chocolate ice-cream, singing along quietly to I'll Make A Man Out Of You.'
She scooped another spoon of ice cream into her mouth and shook her head fondly at the girl.
God she was adorable... It was impossible not to love her.
Quinn proceeded to choke on her mouthful of ice cream, her eyes wide.
Love?
'Hey, you ok?' Hermione asked, her eyes wide as she watched her girlfriend slowly become redder.
'Mm'fine.' Quinn mumbled, trying to control her breathing. She closed her eyes before taking in a deep breath, calming herself. 'Yes, all good. It just went down the wrong hole.'
'Good.' Hermione smiled, watching Quinn as she shovelled another scoop of ice cream onto her spoon.
Smirking she leaned forwards and wrapped her mouth around the spoon, moaning as she took the ice-cream into her mouth.
Quinn's mouth opened at the display, her brain unable to form a coherent though.
Jesus, this girl was killing her.
'Thank you for the tea.' Jean smiled, placing the cup onto the table.
'It's no matter. Look, if you're here to shout at me or try to convince me that I'm a monster then I suggest that you leave. Frankly my relationship with my daughter is none of your concern.'
'On the contrary I believe it is. You're daughter is currently living at my house and has been for the last week. You have to acknowledge, whether we like it or not, our daughters are dating. It just so happens that I don't have a problem with it. However, you do...'
Jean sighed as she saw Judy flinch visibly at the statement.
'It's just not right... This is nothing against Hermione. She is a lovely girl but it's just not right...' Judy whispered.
'Look, don't worry. I'm not here to yell at you or cause a tiff, I just want to say my bit and then I'll leave.'
She looked up to catch Judy's eye, searching for a response. When she saw Judy nod slightly she continued.
'Hermione is a good girl. She's always got amazing grades, been incredibly polite and respectful. However, it hasn't always been easy. There was an ... Incident a while ago. Our family went through quite a tough time, through no fault of our own. Hermione, she... she got separated from us for a while. All of a sudden my girl was gone and I had no idea when she'd get back. If she'd ever get back... I thought I'd lost her and it killed me.'
Jean finished, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she recalled the memories of the years she'd watch Hermione board that train to Hogwarts, unsure of where her daughter was actually going. Of all of the years, none were so painful as the last year. She knew something was wrong. She could tell. Hermione had never been that quiet about school before. Then the day when Hermione had wiped their memories had come. Throughout the entirety of those horrible months Jean had felt empty, like something, and she didn't know what exactly, was missing. No matter how strong Hermione's memory charm was you could never forget being a mother.
'What do you...?' Judy started, thinking over the story.
'What I'm trying to say is that you're pushing her. You're pushing her away Judy and one day she'll have had enough and she'll leave. You'll lose her and trust me it will tear you apart.'
Jean leaned over to give Judy a hug as she heard the other woman begin to sob.
'But what kind of life will she have? I just want what's best for her? People will talk, they'll stare. She won't have a fair chance out in the real world! There is just so much hate in the world; I don't want it to be directed at my baby.' Judy sobbed, her head resting on Jean's shoulder.
'And that is exactly why she needs you. She's strong Judy, she can do this, but she needs you.'
Quinn hummed happily into the slow kiss, her lips tingling as they met Hermione's.
'As much as I love my friends, I love it even more when they're gone.' Hermione mumbled in between kisses.
She felt Quinn smile against her lips before an arm encircled itself around her waist.
'Mmm.' Quinn replied, pulling her closer.
It was in times like this, the moments when she could just lose herself in her girlfriend, that she could almost forget how upside down her life was at the minute. Hermione was like her own personal pain killer.
Today had really helped as well, talking to other people, actually managing to laugh properly for the first time since her mum had thrown her out. She felt less empty than she had done in a while. All thanks to Hermione.
God that girl had been amazing. So understanding. She'd held her as she'd cried night after night, she'd made her smile when all she wanted to do was scream. She'd filled the hole in her heart, caused by her mother, with love. Love.
'Hermione...' Quinn whispered, kissing Hermione's cheek. 'I need to tell you something.'
'What is it?' Hermione asked, smiling as Quinn peppered her neck with soft kisses.
'I'm in l...'
Her declaration was interrupted by the front door opening. Both girls jumped apart, straightening their clothes and smoothing down their hair before Jean walked in. Granted Jean knew about their relationship but still... Nobody wants their girlfriend's mother to see them straddling their girlfriend on the settee.
'Mum?' Hermione called out.
They heard footsteps slowly approach the living room before the door opened.
Quinn gasped as her mother appeared in the room, her cheeks tear stained, her eyes red.
'Oh Quinnie, I'm so sorry.' Judy whispered, walking towards her with her arms open, 'I'm so sorry.'
Quinn stood up, shock covering her features.
She felt her heart begin to thunder against her chest as her mother engulfed her in an embrace.
'So sorry.' Judy repeated over and over again in her ear, holding her tightly.
Quinn crumbled in her mother's arms, beginning to sob with relief.