For the Monthly Slash-tastic Drabble-athon Competition (23. quaffle); the Sherlock Competition (A Study In Pink, prompt 6) and the Pairing Diversity Bootcamp (31. macaw)
She finds Minerva on the Quidditch Pitch.
They've known each other forever, and no matter how hard of an image the Gryffindor may portray to her students, Septima knows her better than that.
She knows that Minerva likes to unwind with a glass of wine in her quarters after a particularly long day, that showing first years her Animagus transformation is one of her favourite parts of her job, and she knows that Minerva loves throwing a few Quaffles every evening in the week the staff spend in Hogwarts, preparing for the new school year.
It's been two years since she joined the staff, and in those years, they've easily rebuilt the friendship they had shared during their own days as students. And she's also somehow managed to rediscover the schoolgirl crush she once had on Minerva.
She's spent the last year building up the courage to approach the other woman. She's no Gryffindor – far from it, in fact – but she knows she has her own form of bravery. And it's time she showed it.
"Hello, Septima." Minerva's voice shocks her. She's been so lost in thought that she hadn't realised that Minerva had noticed and approached her.
"Minerva!" she gasps, "You surprised me!"
"You should be paying more attention to your surroundings," Minerva teases her. It gives Septima a little thrill hearing her so playful – that's the one side of Minerva that rarely anyone sees.
"What's wrong?" Minerva asks suddenly, sounding serious. "You seem conflicted."
"What are you talking about?" Septima asks, laughing nervously.
"I know you, Sep," Minerva says, giving her a pointed look. "I've known you since we were children. What're you worried about?"
Septima knows herself. She knows that if she doesn't make her move now, she probably never will. Before she can talk herself out of it, she moves towards Minerva and softly kisses her on the lips.
The gentle smile on Minerva's lips and the way she pulls her into her arms and kisses her back makes her certain that she made the right decision.
She's never been one for flying, but here, in Minerva's arms, she feels like she's flying higher than anyone has ever before.
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