Authors note: Just a quick one - I have had the next chapter typed up for some time, it tied up a lot of loose ends and things like that. I never posted it as it just didn't seem right; it didn't flow and just seemed wrong. So after much though I deleted it, here's just a short morning after scene to keep you satisfied and get me writing again.
It wasn't the first time they had woken up together but things were different now. Minerva tightened her sleepy grip around Hermione's waist as she woke up, burying her face in her shoulder. "Morning Minerva."
"Morning Love." She placed a kiss on the skin she was snuggling up to.
Hermione smoothed the hair away from Minerva's face. "You going to look at me today sweetheart?"
"Sweetheart?" Minerva raised her head, "And I was thinking about it."
"Am I not allowed to call you a pet name?" She lifted Minerva's chin, "Just thinking about it huh?"
"No." Minerva leaned forward lightly kissing Hermione's lips, "I'm a bit nervous."
"You call me love." There was a mock pout, "Why nervous? Morning after issues?"
"That's different!" Minerva traced the side of Hermione's face with the back of her hand. "Sorry Love, I'm not good at this."
"It's ok Sweetheart."
"That's it!" Minerva began to tickle Hermione vigorously, her nervousness forgotten. The two women rolled about in the bed, both trying to get the upper hand. It wasn't long until one thing led to another.
Minerva sat on the sand glancing at the view, she could see some fishing boats far out in the bay. It was a rare sunny day and she enjoyed being here so much, it was the one place she could relax and be herself. Over the years she had taken a few people home with her but their presence had felt alien, forced but it was different with Hermione.
The younger witch walked around the small cove taking in the sights, looking at the soft yellow sand the stunning beach. The ocean was dark and moody but the bay was quite a bit lighter. She turned and looked at the woman who had brought her here, her hair was loose, clothes almost muggle, eyes bright in the sunshine.
"What are you looking at?"
"You."
Minerva held her hand out silently asking Hermione to come closer, the young woman was happy to oblige. Taking the proffered hand she allowed Minerva to pull her down onto the sand and into a lying position. She lay on her side looking at her lover, who sighed and lay on her back looking up at the sky.
"What are your plans for after the war Hermione?"
Hermione smiled softly, "I don't know. Whatever I decide I would like it to include you."
Minerva smiled at her and leaned closer, dropping a quick kiss on her face. "That's a given." She kissed her again, allowing lips to linger for a moment before pulling back. "No ideas at all?"
"I still can't decide. Harry and Ron still have their minds set on becoming Aurors but I can honestly say that after the war the last thing I will want to do is hunt dark wizards."
"That's why I changed to teaching after the war with Grindelwald. There's plenty of time for you to make a decision."
"I think I should take my NEWTS first or I will wind up working for Rosemerta." Minerva laughed.
"Perhaps I should start a Hermione for Minister campaign instead."
"God no." Hermione laughed pulling her tighter into her embrace, angling her face upwards in invitation of her lovers kiss.