A.N: Just something short and cute...
Monday Morning
Hermione padded quietly back into the bedroom with a towel wrapped around her. Glancing at the bed she smiled to herself at the vision in front of her. Minerva was lying naked in the middle of the wide comfortable bed, limbs tangled in the pale sheets, tousled long dark hair spread over the pillow, one arm outstretched towards where the sheets still showed the imprint of Hermione's body.
For a minute Hermione just stood watching her lover with a tender smile. Their passionate lovemaking had continued sporadically throughout the day and into the evening, Minerva had tried to fight her exhaustion but had eventually fallen asleep in her arms. Thinking about the vigorous activity that had worn them out, Hermione began to walk towards the bed unable to help herself, being drawn to the older woman.
Just before she reached the bed Hermione stopped in her tracks, shaking her head at her own horniness. Ignoring the sudden goosebumps on her skin and her need for the beautiful woman – she walked over to the dresser to grab some clothes. Drying her hair with a whispered spell, she dropped the towel on the floor and slipped on her underwear and a pair of jeans.
Facing the mirror, Hermione picked up her hair brush and began to brush her hair. It was a total mess from Minerva's ardent attention over the last day; the older witch seemed to really enjoy running her fingers through the brown waves, tangling fists in her hair in moments of passion. As arousing as it was, brushing the knots out afterwards was something of a chore.
Several minutes later Hermione felt arms wrap around her stomach from behind her, a warm naked body press against her mostly bare back, lips gently brushing against her shoulder. Tossing the brush back on the dresser, Hermione placed her hands on top of Minerva's arms and leaned back into her lovers embrace.
"Are you ready for today?" Minerva rested her chin on Hermione's shoulder, meeting her gaze in the mirror.
"Yes." Hermione smiled, the answer was that simple.
"No cold feet? Any second thoughts?"
"Minerva, I'm ready to be your wife. I love you."
The older woman lowered her head and nuzzled the side of Hermione's neck, blinking back tears at Hermione's matter of fact affirmation. Her voice was a little rough, "I love you so much sweetheart."
"What about you? Any misgivings I should know about?"
Green eyes met chocolate brown ones, reflected in the glass. "I'm scared." Minerva spoke in an almost whisper, unable to make the admission in her normal tone.
Hermione turned to face her, pulling her lover across the room to sit on the bed. "What are you scared about?" Minerva shook her head. "If you don't tell me how can I make it better?"
Minerva looked down at their joined hands, "It's just... I... I'm not absolutely sure why."
"About the wedding or the ritual?"
"The ritual."
"Well, I would be lying if I said I was totally comfortable with that myself."
Minerva nodded, brushing her lips against Hermione's. "I feel a bit ridiculous, logically I know it's nothing to be scared about."
"Given the situation, it would be odd if you weren't a little apprehensive. I know that's not a feeling you're accustomed to but we will get through it, it's only one night and then we can start our life together."
"How can you possibly know the right thing to say every time?"
Hermione winked at her lover, trying to lighten the mood, "Call it inspiration." She leaned in and kissed Minerva tenderly.
Ginny stood with her hands on her hips, "It's tradition, you don't get to see her before the wedding. Your friends are waiting for you in a suite downstairs." Hermione laughed as her friend faced up to Minerva's best intimidating expression. With an incredulous look the older woman closed her mouth on the cutting remark she had been about to utter and took a deep breath.
"Ok Miss Weasley but give us a moment first please." Ginny instantly obeyed, leaving the room with a deep relieved sigh.
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "... And what do you have in mind?"
Crossing the room rapidly, Minerva exuded an almost arrogant self-confidence that made Hermione's mouth water. Suddenly she found herself pulled into her lover's arms for a passionate kiss, Minerva's hands blazing a trail of fire across her body, before abruptly pulling back with a smirk.
"Wha...?"
"I just needed to kiss you. Besides I like the way you look with your face flushed, lips wet and swollen..." Minerva's tone was the epitome of seduction, reducing her young lover to mutely staring at her. "I'll see you later." Hips swaying, she left the room without a backwards glance, knowing that Hermione was watching her.
Michelle Granger finished lacing up the back of her daughters' gown at almost the same moment Ginny finished her hair. They both stood back to admire Hermione.
"Wow!"
"You look wonderful."
Hermione turned to the mirror, the dress was perfect, everything that she wanted. Her hair was a little too elaborate but it looked great. She slowly twirled, looking at her reflection with a smile, knowing that Minerva would love it. She turned to bring her mother and friend into a careful hug.
"Can we come in yet?!" Came Ron's slightly exasperated cry from the sofa in the other room.
"Yep."
The door to the bedroom opened with a click, as her best friends walked in, Ron stopped in his tracks with his mouth hanging open. Harry smiled and sidled around the redhead, mindful of her dress pulled her into an embrace. "You look... absolutely stunning 'Mione."
She returned his smile before returning her attention to Ron, she waited for him to say something. Eventually rewarded with a, "Yeah you look great."
Harry was standing besides Ginny an arm around his girlfriend's waist; he put his hand in his pocket, drawing out a small box. "Remus Lupin gave this to me, it was my mothers. I was thinking perhaps you would like to wear it today?"
She took the proffered box, knowing how much Harry treasured the few photographs and pieces of information he had about his parents, whatever was in this box must have been his most valued possession. She was truly touched, "Oh Harry."
He handed the box to her, knowing her exclamation to be acceptance. "I figured it's both something old and something borrowed." She opened the box, looking at the white gold and garnet necklace within. Leaving Ginny's side he helped Hermione put the necklace and fasten it, without disturbing her hair or her dress, pressing light kiss to her cheek before whispering in her ear, "I hope you'll be really happy together."
Ron stepped forward, "Mum told me to give you this." He awkwardly shoved a box in her direction. Hermione took it and pulled out an elasticised garter in a pale blue tartan pattern, she raised an eyebrow and looked at her friend. Ron was blushing brighter than his hair, "She said to tell you it was new."
Ginny took the flimsy piece of material out of Hermione's hands, "You two, turn around." The boys both turned their backs. The younger girl hiked up the skirt of Hermione's dress, sliding the garter into position – high on Hermione's thigh.
"Almost time to go downstairs, are you ready Hermione?"
"Yes."