Chapter 23
The second half of their honeymoon was destined to be much different, spent wandering around the streets of Paris. Exploring, sightseeing and lounging around watching the muggles sat outside small cafès. That half was definitely right up Hermione's street, and though she loved just relaxing with the younger girl she loved the adventure just as much.
They had stayed in a large old hotel, with big bay windows overlooking the city. Storm was quite easily pleased and soon enough deemed the large four poster bed to be more than adequate. Stretching herself out on it as soon as they had entered the room, making some kind of crude joke about how handcuffs would have come in handy. Hermione had just scoffed at the thought and rolled her eyes.
It felt as if they had been gone years by the time they had gotten back. Storm chomping at the bit to get back to their little boy, insisting she go and fetch him the second they got back.
"Are you sure you're okay unpacking?" She quizzed the older woman who had already started, their suitcases enlarged and opened up on their bed.
"I'll be fine!" She smiled brightly, already rummaging through their things. Sorting the washing ready to go.
"I'll be back in ten. Hopefully I'll catch them just before bathtime" Storm grinned, wrapping her arms around the older woman's waist for a brief moment. Hermione had her hair pulled up into a bun, not too dissimilar to the one she wears to work. Giving Storm ample opportunity to place a tender kiss just under her jaw, another on her cheek.
"You'll have to stop doing that if you want to catch them in time" Hermione teased as she turned in the younger girls arms. Her palms flattening against Storm's stomach, inching down to find the hem of her shirt in order to find the warm skin hidden beneath.
Short nails scraping the sensitive column just above her belly button before they came to settle over tight muscles. Storm's eyes fluttering shut with the action, her taught muscles quivering. "Pardon?" She spoke after a second, dark eyes opening to stare a blank stare down at the smirking woman.
Hermione leant up to press a quick peck to the shifters lips, laughing lightly to herself as she pulled away. "Go" she laughed again, pushing the taller witch away from herself.
Storm moved away reluctantly, her bottom lip stuck out in a pout as she did. "Ten minutes" she stated simply before turning to leave the room.
Her heavy footsteps booming through the empty house as she ran down the stairs.
Hermione just smiled to herself, more than pleased to be back in their own home for the time being.
She got back to work, listening carefully for any signs the younger girl might have returned with their son. It wasn't long until she got exactly what she wanted.
"We're home!" Came Storm's voice as footsteps started up the steps again.
A loud squeal followed shortly by a giggle punctuated her words as their son joined in. It would never be quiet with the pair of them around.
Hermione turned to look over her shoulder as the younger woman emerged in the doorway. Arms full of their giggling little boy who watched on with wide eyes as Storm pulled faces to keep him entertained.
"Ah! There she is!" The younger girl exclaimed happily. Her lips pulled up into a wide grin that split her face and lit up her dark eyes. "We've got lots of love left for momma!" She spoke as she moved close to the older woman, stretching a wriggling Joey out to hand him over. His own arms outstretched for her.
"Hi baby" Hermione cooed, pressing kisses to his chubby cheeks drawing another happy squeal out of the little boy. "We missed you so much" she grinned, watching as he looked back at her in wonder. His chubby fingers wrapping themselves in her jumper as he reached out for her.
"I think its bathtime" Storm muttered, still smiling a winning smile. "I'll go get him a fresh onsie and a towel on the go" she spoke again, reaching out to trace a gentle pattern on Joey's back.
"I'll start the water" Hermione nodded, happy with their well practiced teamwork. "Come on then Stinky" she spoke to the baby this time, "let's get you ready for bed" she stated as she made her way to their bathroom.
His bath seat already ready for action as she began running the water. She could hear Storm rummaging around in the room next door, and she soon reemerged. "Pass him over and I'll get him ready to go in" She spoke, holding her hands out to take the boy from her wife. Getting him dressed and undressed was never an easy task and they soon figured out he very rarely sat still.
Hermione held him out, a small smile pulling at her lips as she watched her wife take him away again. "Don't be long the water is almost ready" she called after them, once again alone with her thoughts.
She was excited for the next chapter, she couldn't wait to see what the quidditch world cup brought or didnt bring. She could hear her wife chatting to little Joe as they got ready, about nothing really important. Storm often just spoke to him, her voice calm and soothing as she did.
She could hear the shifters voice growing louder as the pair came closer. Storm had the baby boy wrapped in a fluffy towel, but completely naked otherwise. Bouncing him gently on her hip as she meandered in.
"Are you ready?" She asked him seriously, an eyebrow raised.
All she was met with was a fit of giggles and aimless clapping.
With the towel shed, she lowered their son gently into his bath ring. The warm water grabbing his attention as he stared down at it.
With that they fell into practiced routine, trying to get through as quickly and as dry as possible. Though that never really went well, they enjoyed the time spent just the three of them.
-x-x-x-x-
Before they knew it they were being hurled into the commotion of the quidditch world cup. They had been hurled into the commotion of the quidditch world cup. The English team had made their way over by enchanted steam train. Hermione had laughed when she found out, shaking her head a little in disbelief. If she really thought about it, and she had done after the initial shock of it all; it was perfectly suitable.
They had all met at the station early on the morning they were due to leave. All of the players absolutely radiating excitement.
Ginny and Harry had beaten them there, and Storm just smirked as they greeted the pair.
"Always late except for when quidditch is involved" she laughed as she nudged the redhead with her elbow.
"And you're just always late" Ginny teased back with a sly grin.
"Storm, Hermione. Great to see you both!" Harry beamed with excitement, reaching out to give Hermione a large hug before turning to ruffle little Joe's moppy dark curls. He was in his usual spot, sat happily on Storm's hip as she held him tightly with a strong arm. His eyes were wide with wonder as he took in his surroundings, his hands balled into the shoulder of Storm's jumper.
"How are you both?" Hermione quizzed, her own dark eyes flitting around the station before settling once again on the pair before them.
"Brilliant!" Harry stated simply, his green eyes sparkling brightly as he did.
"Excited" Ginny added with a smirk "Can't wait to wipe the floor with Krum!" She stated, nodding to Storm.
"He's going down!" Storm added with a nod.
Before Hermione had chance to even roll her eyes the trains whistle was blowing and their team captain was beckoning everyone on board the locomotive. It's royal blue doors opening to allow everyone access.
Storm was all but bouncing with anticipation as they made their way onboard. The hallways of the carriage looking as normal as could be. The compartments that lined it however were curious. The doors looked very much like the sliding doors the Hogwarts Express had, except they were all solid with little golden plaques to indicate a players name.
They all filtered through, following Harry and Ginny as they made their way down the narrow corridor in search of their own compartments.
They had almost made it to the far end of the train when they finally found their door. Ironically, right opposite Ginny's own.
"Hey! Neighbours!" Storm exclaimed happily, her voice followed by an excited squeal from the little boy still clung to her chest.
"I hope these are soundproof then!" Ginny added with a laugh, winking at the younger woman. Both of them smirking as Harry and Hermione both turned beet red.
"Easily fixed if not!" Storm added with a laugh, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Storm!" Hermione scolded, her cheeks still radiating heat as her dark eyes took in the pair with unhidden disbelief. "Don't be so vulgar!" She added, reaching out to take Joe from Storm's arms.
"It's true" Storm just smirked, "who knows what these pair get up to?" She added, hooking her finger back to Ginny and Harry. The green eyed boy shook his head, a small smirk of his own pulling at his lips as he almost tried to disappear into the background hoping not to be pulled into the Frey.
"So, I guess we'll see you for lunch then? I think the dining carriage is the other side" Harry finally piped up, reaching to slide their door open.
"I wonder what they'll have?" Storm spoke almost dreamily, as if her mind had completely jumped to the thought of food.
"We'll see you at lunch" Hermione added with a nod, sliding their own door open before disappearing into it.
"See you later Red, Harry" Storm added with a wide smile as she moved to follow her wife.
"See you!" Ginny called, and with that the small door was slid shut behind her.
Storm had turned to take in her surroundings, her eyes wide with wonder as she did. Hermione had disappeared into the depths of the space. It looked like they had just stepped into a larger version of Hermione's head girl dorm at Hogwarts. It was decorated in the Gryffindor colours, dark burgundy curtains hung from a brass curtain rod above a large glass window. Steam billowing from below the train before dissipating into the air around them.
There was a big four poster bed on the far wall that was almost identical to the one they had slept in for so long at Hogwarts. A small room caught her eye off to the side, and she turned to peak through the door. Hermione was already unpacking with Joe entertained in a small playpen. Something inside was roaring and on closer inspection it was a stuffed lion toy, enchanted to make noises.
"Looks familiar" Storm spoke as she moved to help the shorter woman sort Joey's things out. There was a large dark wooden chest of drawers set off to one side, and a cot not far away from them either. "Except this room" she added as an after thought.
"Its nice" Hermione replied thoughtfully. "It reminds me of when we first started seeing each other" she spoke through a small smile. Her dark eyes flicking up to find Storm's own already settled on her.
"A lot happened at Hogwarts" Storm sighed, her mind racing through everything that had happened during her year there. It was without a doubt one of the best years she had ever had.
Hermione just laughed, that one statement summed up her entire career at the school of witchcraft and wizardry.
They settled into a comfortable silence as they worked to unpack their things the muggle way. Storm placing Joey's things into the large chest of drawers, while Hermione hung her quidditch robes in the other room.
They were both nervous for the next few weeks, though for different reasons. It would be busy, hectic and tiring for Storm. They would find out their schedule at lunch, and she couldn't wait to see what would happen.
For Hermione, her mind had settled on their last work cup game. She had gone with the Weasley's and what had been an atmosphere absolutely pulsing with adrenaline soon turned dark. With it ending in their first experience with the Deatheaters.
-x-x-x-x-
Lunch had come around quickly, and they found themselves sat with Harry and Ginny once again. It was set out very similar to the great hall, just a miniature version. Instead of four long tables, there were four short tables. Just enough for the players and their partners and children.
Gwenog Jones stood at the head of the hall. Watching with keen eyes as the team settled into their seats. It was the first time they would all be together on this trip, and excitement radiated throughout.
"Good afternoon team!" She started, her voice booming as she held her wand to her throat. Effective in silencing the buzzing group.
"As you know, we are currently on our way to Bulgaria! I have arranged a time table with both games and practices for you all. When we arrive, we have second practice tomorrow and this will commence at 9am. Our first game will be the day after." She spoke clearly, watching as her players sat hooked on her every word.
"As you also know, all of the players from all of the teams have been invited to a welcoming ball that will take place this evening. I would like all of you to be on form, we are representing our country!"
She finished proudly.
"Now, lunch" she added, and with that an assortment of food appeared. Dishes setting themselves out along the flat expanse. Rolls of parchment tied with a ribbon bow settling nicely on each of their empty dishes.
Hermione and Harry both unrolled theirs first, while Storm and Ginny started to pile food onto their plates. Storm bouncing Joe on her lap as she did. His own little plate, set directly in front of them with hers just off to the side. Storm pulling a few child friendly options into his. "Mash mate?" She quizzed though pointlessly, popping a dollop onto his dish before giving him a teaspoon. The little boy taking it with practiced ease before using it to bang the table.
"Not like that buddy" she laughed before taking it away again. Opting instead to help him out a bit, holding a spoonful of mash to his lips for him to take.
"Your third game is the American's" Hermione spoke as a matter of factly, flicking dark eyes up to take in Storm's as she fed the little boy like she had done so many times before. Joey humming appreciatively as his lips smacked together.
"Well that's awkward" Storm laughed. She never imagined when she was playing at Unity, her stint in the world cup would come playing against them.
Ginny eyed her curiously, "you're one of us now!" She added with a smirk. Nudging Storm's shoulder as she did.
"That I am!" Storm stated again, nodding as she did so.
"You'll have to win or come second in that set to play the Bulgarians" Harry spoke before biting into a piece of fried chicken.
"We'll win them all if I have anything to do with it!" Storm spoke with conviction, her iris' ablaze with determination.
A shriek punctuated her words as the little boy in her lap grabbed her spoon wielding fist in order to pull it back to himself.
"Yeah!" She laughed, leaning down to press a tender kiss to the side of his head as he munched happily on some peas.
"Please don't do anything stupid" Hermione pleaded. They all knew Storm was reckless especially when she felt she had something to prove.
"When do I ever do anything stupid?" Storm stated with a blush creeping up her neck. A sheepish smirk pulling at her lips as she avoided eye contact completely.
All three of them around her rolled their eyes as if on cue.
"So is everyone looking forward to this ball then?" Storm attempted to change the subject. Her dark eyes just as bright as her smile was.
With that an easy chatter took over, and they stayed like that until late that afternoon. Gwenog having to shoo them off to get ready for the evening.
-x-x-x-x-
Storm's parents had met them early that evening, just after they had arrived. They had agreed to take Joseph for the evening while the girls attended the ball. The little boy already exhausted from the busy day they had, and ready for bed.
Storm was already dressed and had left Hermione to finish off her hair. Storm wore black fitted dress robes, with a crisp white shirt tucked into her trousers and a black bowtie hanging around her neck. Her robes hugged her in all the right places, fitting just how they should.
Hermione opted for a black knee length figure hugging dress. Enough to make Storm's mind spin and pull itself into a multitude of directions. Not all of which were clean.
"You look stunning" the American breathed as she stepped back into their compartment on the train. Watching as Hermione pulled on modest black heels to match. It was simple and classy, but she couldn't believe her eyes. She couldn't believe her luck.
Hermione's lips curled up into a winning smile, her dark eyes flicking up to meet Storm's as she finished pulling her shoes on. Scanning the younger woman who stood looking as smart as she ever had. It was reminiscent of the ball they had attended back at Hogwarts. Though the differences were stark. Storm looked as if she had grown up, she wasn't that awkward, brash, young girl anymore. Though in the Same breath she was.
Hermione found herself moving to reach out and straighten the shifters bowtie, noting the audible gulp as she did. She moved to reach up and smooth the Americans dark hair back and out of her bright eyes. Her senses filled with the familiar sweet scent of coffee that often came with the taller witch.
"You don't look half bad yourself" she quipped as she leant forward to ghost her lips past Storm's. Her fingers moving to play with silver buttons that held the younger girls dress robe together.
"I have to try... I mean have you seen my wife? I couldn't go and embarrass her now could I?" Storm spoke quietly as a deep blush creeped up her neck, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"I'm sure your wife is very proud" Hermione replied, her own smile tugging at her lips as she did so.
"Are you ready?" Storm asked, her fingers drawing gentle patterns against the exposed skin at Hermione's back.
"Always" Hermione replied, moving to pull the younger woman out of the door in order to meet Ginny and Harry.
The four of them making their way the short distance to the quidditch stadium.
For that evening it had been enchanted into a giant hall. Witches and wizards alike flitting around levitating trays in front of themselves. Glasses filled with an assortment of beverages on each tray.
A wide array of hors d'oeuvres on others.
A band was playing music somewhere in the distance. Players Storm had never seen before already on the dance floor, spinning and twirling and swaying as the melody spilled out over them.
"Swanky" she laughed, moving to hold Hermione's hand that had laced it's way around the crook of her arm.
Hermione just nodded, taking in the scene before her.
"I wonder how long until Krum makes himself known" Ginny pipped up from somewhere behind them.
"Not long enough" Storm grumbled as Hermione pulled her through further into the massive room.
They were greeted by many people, and soon Storm realised Harry and Hermione knew a lot more people than they had originally thought.
It felt like they had spent most of the evening exchanging pleasantries with perfect strangers. Though it was comfortable and she found the time passing quickly.
"Storm!" Came a familiar voice from somewhere behind her. Though she couldn't quite put her finger on where she knew it from.
The accent was harsh and twangy, and something about it set warning bells off in her head.
She turned around slowly as her mind caught up to the familiarity and she braced herself for a really awkward conversation.
"Merlin, it is you!" A tall blonde girl spoke with a solid American accent. Icey blue eyes took them in. "We thought you were dead" she spoke again.
"Well look at that, I'm not" Storm smirked, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.
She could feel three sets of eyes on her, waiting for her to introduce her friends.
"Alice, this is my wife Hermione, and my Best friend Ginny and her Husband Harry" she spoke again, motioning to her companions as she did so.
"Its nice to meet you" Hermione said with a polite smile, holding her hand out to shake the blonde's.
"Likewise" the blonde stated simply, her icy stare not leaving the shifter for long. Something about it was unsettling, and the brunette could feel a flame of pure jealousy ignite in the pit of her stomach.
"So, did you go to school together?" Harry pipped up, trying his best to ease the tension that had settled around them.
"Yeah we.." Storm started but was quickly cut off by the new blonde.
"We dated until Storm here decided it was a much more interesting idea to disappear without a trace, only leaving a note to say she wouldn't be back" Alice stated simply with a shrug and a smirk that seemed a little bit evil.
"Don't flatter yourself" Storm scoffed, feeling Hermione's grip on her arm getting tighter as the conversation went on.
"I'm surprised they let you onto the team. Looks like the Americans are going to be easier to beat than we thought" Storm stated, and there was a tone Hermione hadn't often heard to her voice. There was something nasty there, dripping with venom as the words poured from her mouth.
"Well, I think I need a drink" Ginny piped up almost dragging Harry away "Hermione we will meet you two over there" Harry spoke as he was pulled in the direction of some tables. Pointing as he did so.
"We wont be long" Hermione smiled at him, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Oh Stormy, still with that arrogant bravado." Alice spoke once again. "Well, see you on the field! It was great meeting you Hermione!" She added before flouncing away to meet a man that had been waiting for her in the background.
Storm stood there for a moment as if stunned before turning to face the shorter brunette.
"Well she was a delight" the older woman spat, her dark eyes alight with a thinly veiled anger. She had never come face to face with anyone from Storm's past and for some reason hadn't thought it would even happen.
"I'm sorry Hermione" Storm deflated, her shoulders slumping as she hung her head. Almost as if she was waiting to be scolded for doing something wrong.
"I didnt even think anyone I knew would be on the team."
"Its not your fault" Hermione replied with a sigh, reaching up to curl her fingers around the longer strands of hair at the back of Storms neck. "What did you even see in her?" Though she regretted that question instantly. The girl was nasty that's for sure, but Hermione had eyes. She was gorgeous.
"I have no idea" Storm answered honestly, a small smirk pulling at her lips as she did so.
"I feel like I forgot everyone else ever existed after I met you in the war" she stated simply, and Hermione studied her for a moment. She could tell Storm was telling the truth. She knew in Storm's eyes Hermione was perfect and for that she was grateful. Storm made her feel like the most cherished woman in the world every day of her life.
The thought itself extinguished the fire that had set her stomach bubbling, and eased any insecurity she may have had.
"Can we please get a drink after that?" Storm pleaded, her dark eyes searching Hermione's features.
"I think that would be acceptable" Hermione smiled, leaning up to press a tender kiss to Storm's lips. Earning herself a winning grin as she pulled away.
"Ginny is never going to let this go!" Hermione added with a laugh as she took Storm's hand to lead the younger girl back to the pair already waiting with drinks on the table.
"Kill me now" Storm quipped, rubbing the back of her neck as she did. Now she was convinced the game against the American's would be even more awkward than she had initially anticipated.
A/n: Welp... there it is. Blast from Storm's past.
Quidditch soon! Maybe some more babies...
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