This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Word Count: 794
Title: Have Your Cake
Note:
Warnings: large age gap, previous student/teacher
Beta:
Golden Snitch
[Name] Crissie
[School] Uagadou
[House] Ogyinae
Pancake Tuesday:
Pinch of salt: Write about the Headmaster of Hogwarts. (it can be any Headmaster)
Hogwarts
Assignment 6: Muggle Studies: Gadgets & Gizmos: Task #3 - Air-Conditioned Tie: Write about getting sweaty with nerves/anxiety.
Yearly:
Prompt 36 [Word] Stunning
[366] [297] Stunning
Seasonally:
Days of the year: March 22nd - National Goof Off Day: Write about someone refusing to take something seriously.
Spring: (weather) Rain showers
Tarot: Eight of Swords: (theme) Helplessness
Hufflepuff Challenge: Patient
Hermione sat twirling her auburn hair; it felt like the necklace was a burning reminder of their forbidden love. Hermione knew even though it shouldn't be a problem anymore, many of the teachers would expect favouritism if they knew she was dating the headmistress. She blushed, remembering why she was down in the kitchens so close to midnight. She heard the heavy rain pounding outside the window, and watched the myriad of water cascade over the grounds.
She had a plate of lemon and blueberry cake in front of her, and she sat nibbling on the end of it with a small dessert fork. Minerva was late, and she was getting anxious. She felt herself getting all sweaty with nerves. She was planning on breaking things off between them, but she was so scared Minerva would see right through her. She had always tried to be the strong one for her friends, but Minerva could be strong for her, and she wasn't used to feeling so helpless.
"I don't even know if I want to be a teacher," she spoke to the empty kitchen. The door creaked open, and Minerva appeared from behind it, her eyes lit up as she spotted Hermione, and then her expression changed. 'Oh no, she can't possibly know, could she?' Hermione thought, trying to force a smile onto her face with a mild sense of worry.
"Hermione, why did you want us to meet here?" she asked, walking over and taking a seat beside her. Minerva took her hand, and Hermione expected a comment on the unusual sweating of her palms, but her girlfriend said nothing about it. 'Surely she is noticing it, so why isn't she saying anything?'
"We need to talk," Hermione said, saying those words that every couple hated to hear. Minerva nodded seriously.
"I love you, Hermione," Minerva said suddenly, and Hermione's choked on her words, and almost spat out her cake.
"I, you do?" she asked. Hermione wasn't sure why hearing the words made such a large change, her heart was beating so fast it felt like it was about to jump from her chest.
"I know, I don't say it," Minerva admitted.
"Then why now?"
"I know what you're about to do," she shrugged. "I don't want you breaking us up without saying it at least once, because, Hermione, I know you love me too."
"Minnie, don't," Hermione begged, removing her hand to wipe it on her black robes nervously beneath the table. This heartfelt confession was making it hard to keep focus.
"It's because of the other teachers, it has nothing to do with us," Minerva said seriously, and Hermione felt her resistance crumble.
"I don't want to be a teacher," Hermione admitted finally.
"Yes. This will not affect me in any way."
"It will if I leave and find another job." Hermione looked at her girlfriend seriously. "You know I took this job to be around you, don't you?"
Minerva nodded, reaching for Hermione's hand again. Minerva's eyes flickered towards the window where the rain was still coming down heavily.
"We need to break up," Hermione said, hating the way her voice was breaking, and she swallowed. She felt like she was being shattered into a million tiny pieces, she knew their love was stronger than anything, and even if she leaves, the two of them could still make it work between them.
"Have some of your cake," Minerva said, seemingly not bothered by her words, letting out an odd laugh. Hermione mechanically reached for the fork, taking another bite.
"You might as well give up, Min— Minerva," she stammered, trying to sound confident. "I have already made my choice, and it's too late."
"That's the wonderful thing about me: I never know when to give up," Minerva said softly, leaning over and kissing Hermione's cheek. Tears betrayed the brunette, and she allowed herself to be overtaken by emotion.
"This is hopeless," Hermione sobbed.
"There could be hope for us, though. If you let there be," Minerva whispered. "I love you, my queen."
"I love you, too," she admitted softly. "But if I leave...:"
"That won't change a thing," Minerva said. Hermione laughed through her tears, and Minerva gestured for her to come closer, taking the smaller woman into her arms and comforting her. "Does that mean you will stop trying to break up with me?"
Hermione nodded wordlessly. "Good girl," she smiled. "You really like that?" Minerva touched the delicate gold heart-shaped locket around Hermione's neck slowly.
"I love it," Hermione said.
"It looks stunning on you," Minerva whispered against her ear with a lustful change in tone. Hermione let herself be held against the older woman until her crying stopped, and Minerva wiped the last tear from Hermione's cheek.