Chapter 32

September soon gave way to October and October soon morphed into November. The weather had become much colder and quidditch games had become much more trying than they were in the summer. Storm would always end up with wind chapped cheeks and ears, her fingers numb and barely able to hold onto the handle of her broom.

She found herself up in the air the day before Joey's birthday trying desperately to stay on her broom. She had opted to wear a pair of goggles to stave off the onslaught of rain. She could feel herself shivering as she flew round the pitch, eyes squinted in concentration as she waited for the snitch to show itself. The game was going on for far too long, and she hadn't even had a glimpse of the little golden ball yet.

The commentators voice had been lost entirely as the savage wind took any noise away except it's woosh against her ears. She was getting frustrated now, more and more so with each and every lap she did with no success. She knew Hermione would be sat on tenterhooks watching and waiting for her to inevitably land.

She sat low to her broom in an attempt to keep her body heat in as best as she could, her robes clinging almost restrictively to her skin as rain continued to beat down on her back. A golden glint caught her eye high up above the giant rings on their side. Like a flash she was off, she kept herself so low to the broom her chin was almost touching the handle. Raindrops felt like razors as they lashed against her wind chapped skin and she fought off the urge to shiver as a gust of wind blew her right off course.

The other team's seeker seemed to be having just as much trouble, but she was catching up quickly. It would be a grapple for the little golden ball, and Storm readied herself to fly into the other woman's side. There was no time to play fair, and she would do what she had to do to be the first to the winged object. The little golden snitch was hovering nearer and nearer as they came to blows. Elbows flying, hands shoving at shoulders as harsh words slipped past purple lips. With one final swipe towards the other woman, Storm knocked her hard enough for her to lose balance on her broom and she took her opportunity to reach out. Her fingers stretching just enough to feel the flutter before she was yanked away again, closing her fist just in time to grab the ball.

The other woman had gripped hard to her robes as she had lost balance, another huge gust of wind finishing Storm's job and taking her broom completely from her grasp. It seemed as she fell, she had tried to use the shifter to keep herself in the air. For a brief moment Storm's fingers that never left her broom handle gripped hard as she was dragged to the side. Feeling the emptiness of the air's embrace as her broom had slipped from between her legs, the cold had been too much, and her numb extremities gave up. Her fingers slipped then, and she was pulled completely away from the object that seemed to dwindle for a moment before making its own decent towards to soaking pitch floor.

Her breath caught in her throat as she felt her stomach lurch, moving to fight off the hand that was digging its nails into her collar bone. It was much too late now, and as air rushed past her falling body, she forced herself not to shift. Everything around her had suddenly become much more of a blur and she forced instinct to the side. She knew if she shifted to save herself, she would be disqualified. She could not let that happen.

The fall had lasted seconds but felt like years and finally with an impact that seemed to knock everything from her being she landed in the mud solidly on her back. For a few more seconds everything seemed to blur, and the rain seemed to pause mid air as dark eyes stared up. Briefly registering a whistle blowing somewhere in the distance before a blackness enveloped her being. She would have to pull herself together very quickly, she knew she had to be fine for Joey's birthday.

What felt like seconds later she was blinking her eyes open to see not unfamiliar hazel eyes staring down at her. A dripping wet redhead was hovering over her with a smirk pulling at her lips as she moved back to let Storm's eyes fall on Hermione who had just stormed into the room with a horrified look on her face and a rather grumpy looking baby on her hip.

"How long was I out for?" Storm quizzed as she tried to move to smooth her wet hair from her eyes, she noted that she could with a little difficulty. The team mediwitches were never too concerned about drying them off and the bits like that. It was always more about quick fixes and getting them game ready once again. She had assumed if Hermione was just getting there, and Ginny herself was just as soaked as she was it had not been long at all.

"A few minutes. The Mediwitches said you're not too bad at all considering how high up you were when you actually fell." Ginny spoke, and Storm noted then Hermione had stopped to speak to one of the mediwitches pottering about in the background.

"I don't feel that bad." Storm spoke again as she tried to sit herself up slowly. Keen to assess what had actually happened. She noted a throbbing in one of her legs, and one of her arms was stiff. Otherwise it was the usual stinging of her cheeks and ears, stinging at her collar bone where the other seeker had grabbed onto her and dug her nails in.

"Are you alright?" Hermione spoke as she approached, looking much less stressed after speaking to the mediwitch she had stopped. Her curls were partially hidden by a knitted hat, and she wore a thick coat draped over her shoulders and pulled tight across her chest. Joey too was bundled up, his hat covered his ears with flaps and his dark eyes peaked at Storm from beneath the fur lined lip. His own little coat buttoned up to the top. His tiny hands kept warm by mittens that they had placed an enchantment on in order to keep them warm for him. It tended to get just as cold in the stands as it did up in the air and they had both made sure the little boy was fully kitted out for the winter games.

"I'm okay. That git scratched me!" Storm stated, pulling the collar of her robes down to show the two older women the deep scratch marks that lined her collar bone. They looked angry and were already starting to bruise. Poking her bottom lip out she looked completely indignant, as if it had been the worst thing to happen to her.

"Storm, you did push her off her broom!" Hermione almost scolded, her voice full of disbelief as she looked over to the redhead who was just laughing.

"Well she pulled me off mine! Show's who the better player is because we still won!" She spoke with a triumphant grin pulling its way across her lips.

"Just be glad you're not hurt too badly, you'd hate yourself if you missed this little grump's birthday" Ginny spoke, more towards the little boy still sat on Hermione's hip. Her fingers finding his sides as she lifted him from the brunette in order to give the older woman enough freedom to fuss over the shifter like she was sure she wanted to.

The older woman released the little boy and took the opportunity to move to Storm's side. Her dark doe eyes scanning the younger girl over a few times before settling on the scratches that were still exposed by her overstretched and drooping robes.

"I can sort them out when we get home. They don't look too bad" Hermione admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips as she traced a finger across the younger girl's exposed skin.

"Am I allowed to go yet? it's freezing sat here in wet robes and I'm guessing by that face Joey hasn't napped yet?" Storm asked seriously, eyeing the grumpy little boy as his eyes drooped to half mast in Ginny's arms. A tired Joe was not something that was enjoyable at all, in the slightest.

"They said you should be alright. Just be careful of the pressure you put on your left leg. They said they've mended it but it'll be a little fragile for a little bit" Hermione spoke before turning to speak to the redhead fussing over the baby. "We'll see you tomorrow Ginny" Hermione smiled a wide smile as she pulled the little boy back into her embrace. His bottom lip trembling visibly as Ginny waved at him before grabbing her things.

"Can't wait!" The redhead spoke honestly before moving to slap Storm's shoulder roughly "See you later!" She spoke, watching as Storm winced before rubbing her shoulder with her own pout tugging at her lips.

"Oi! You know you're a bit rough sometimes!" Storm hissed as she wobbled on her feet. Not quite as balanced as she would like to be.

"You've never complained before" Hermione added before Ginny could say anything. Watching as the redhead just shook her head and made her way towards the exit before disapparating with a pop.

"Well, that's just not fair. You guys love to gang up on me don't you" Storm grumbled as she followed the shorter woman towards the exit where they too disappeared with a pop.

-x-x-x-x-x-

The next morning came with the sound of rain battering their bedroom window and thunder booming above them. Storm waited in the darkness for the sound of their little boy stirring to ring through the little monitor they slept with next to their bed. She waited for a while before deciding he must not have woken.

She rolled over then, pressing her front tightly to Hermione's back as she slipped an arm under the brunette's pillow. Moving she pulled unruly curls away from the older woman's neck, exposing sleep warmed flesh that resided there. Hermione's breathing wasn't as deep as it normally was when she slept, and Storm assumed she had woken and was waiting for the same thing. Soft lips made their way to press tender kisses to the skin that had just been exposed, just above the older woman's pulse point. A small hum that escaped the brunette's lip's in the darkness told Storm she had been right, and Hermione too was awake.

"Morning" She muttered against the older woman's soft skin, moving so her nose was pressed just under her ear. Storm's hand moved down beneath the bedsheets to find the hem of the brunette's sleep top, soon disappearing underneath it in search of soft skin. Her hand splaying out against the older woman's stomach for a moment before dragging her fingertips in slow, gentle circles.

"Morning" Hermione muttered; her own dark eyes fluttering shut as she enjoyed the gentle touches the sometimes-brutish girl bestowed upon her. She took her chance then to roll in Storm's embrace in order to face her, watching as dark eyes found her own in the dim light of the room. Another boom of thunder, and then a flash of lightning illuminated their space for a brief moment. Storm's fingers never stopping their movements.

"Happy having a one-year old day" Storm spoke quietly. She wasn't even really sure what time it was, just assumed it was very early in the morning.

"I can't believe it" Hermione spoke quietly, moving to push shaggy hair out of Storm's face. Leaning in to press a gentle kiss to the younger woman's lips. Part of her still couldn't believe they had a baby, and that he was one year old. A year ago, they had welcomed him into the world so willingly, with open arms. Storm had taken to the task like a duck to water, and she herself had become far more maternal than she ever really thought possible.

"I suppose a congratulations is in order" Storm spoke again, "It seems we have reached… level two" She spoke in a weird voice that had clearly tickled her as she started to laugh.

"Storm! Having a baby is not a game!" Hermione scolded, pulling away to stare at the younger woman in disbelief.

"Aren't they supposed to get worse now?" Storm quizzed seriously, her dark eyes finding Hermione's own in the dark.

"I don't think that counts for us. He can shift and go wherever he wants really. The worst part is when babies start walking" Hermione clarified. She was not too worried. Joey was a pretty relaxed baby. He only ever fussed if he was hungry or tired. Otherwise he was pretty happy all the while.

"Oh right, well then I guess that's not so bad" Storm stated with a little difficulty as she tried her best to stifle a yawn, twisting to get a good look at the alarm clock that sat on Hermione's side of the bed. It's green numbers bright compared to the darkness around it.

"Urgh, it's only 3:30am… no wonder he's not awake yet" the shifter muttered, moving to press another tired kiss to the older woman's lips.

"You could go back to sleep… or we could use the time wisely" Hermione spoke, she was completely awake now. A coy tone had taken her lips as Storm felt delicate fingers trace the hem of her shorts.

"Well I am awake now!" Storm stated with a laugh, moving to push herself up and over the brunette who had rolled onto her back helpfully, though her questing fingers never ventured far away from the younger girl's boxer shorts. Storm leant down in order to take the older woman's lips a little forcefully. The sleepy fog clearing from her brain quite quickly as Hermione's fingers dipped below the waistband of her cotton shorts, pushing them down quidditch toned thighs as she pulled away to press open mouthed kisses down Storm's sharp jaw in search of her pulse point.

Storm's breath caught in her throat as she felt familiar fingers find their way to her centre and press into her depths with ease. Her dark eyes fluttering shut as a groan escaped her throat.

"Bloody hell" She muttered, attempting to compose herself and not fall apart all together just yet. Hermione had wasted no time in setting a quick pace, sinking her teeth gently into Storm's neck before sucking and soothing the place with her tongue. Storm shuddered hard as another groan left her chest.

She tried to catch up, pulling roughly at Hermione's flannel top. Forcing the older woman to stop for a moment so she could pull it up and over her head. Her own t-shirt followed shortly after before she settled again, trying her best to push flannel pyjama bottoms down and off the older girl's legs.

Hermione luckily kicked them off the rest of the way as she too fought to get Storm's boxers off without losing too much contact. A contented hum escaping from her throat as Storm leant down to trace a pert nipple with the tip of her tongue, reaching down to trace the bundle of nerves between Hermione's legs with her fingertips. Her smirk soon faded as a moan was pulled from her, Hermione's fingers having once again pressed themselves deep into her core to set the familiar rhythm that would send her careening over the edge and straight into a pool of pleasure.

Storm followed suit, using a knee to gently coax the older woman's legs open a little more, just enough to grant her access. She had just enough focus left to sink two digits deep within the older woman. Shuddering as she felt nails dig into her hip once she had started up a pace that would keep up with the older woman's.

It wasn't long until they were both panting and struggling for breath between moans. Their lips were clashing sloppily as they both tried desperately to hang on till the very last second. Both competing to push the other over first.

Storm pulled away, her dark eyes shut tight and her knuckles wide as her hips pressed down into Hermione's palm. "Hermione" she muttered through pants "come on" She pleaded before her body began shaking with strain, a slick layer of sweat covering them both.

That was all it took for Hermione to topple over the edge, feeling the coil that had started in the pit of her stomach finally let go and explode in tingling waves that washed over her body. By the time she had come down Storm was already breathing heavily, her head resting beside her own. Hot breath tickled the shell of her ear as the younger woman struggled to regain her composure. Storm all but whimpered as she pulled her fingers from the clenching muscles deep within her, the younger girl's own still gripped tightly by her own walls unwilling to let go just yet.

Hermione was a little surprised when Storm pushed herself up and off of her, only to start her decent down the bed. Her fingers still firmly gripped between her own legs. A smirk quite evident on her lips as she broke the trail of kisses she had started down the older woman's body. Stopping to dip her tongue into the depths of the brunette's belly button on her way down.

"Well… Time for level two!" She teased before disappearing completely beneath the sheets. Giving Hermione no time to argue or protest before her tongue was lapping at the sensitive bundle of nerves she had quested for.

"Oh Merlin" The older woman whispered, moving to bury her fingers in shaggy hair a little roughly as her hips bucked of their own accord. Her eyes shut tightly as the fingers that had been held tightly started to move again, quickly trying to draw out a second wave of pleasure. Her tongue switching between flicking quickly and drawing languid strokes.

It wasn't long until that familiar coil had built up to an unprecedented level, threatening to consume her entirely as Storm continued to twist and pull, and push and wiggle her fingers deep within her. With a loud groan it was all over, her legs had begun twitching uncontrollably, and for a moment she was aware of potentially suffocating the shifter with her thighs. Though she couldn't bring herself to care all that much.

Another minute or so it was over again, and she was left a panting mess, an arm thrown over her eyes as she fought to catch her breath.

"Storm" She muttered as the shifter quietly settled beside her, her fingers gently tugged from where they had been wedged.

"Yes Hermione?" The younger girl replied, and the brunette could hear the smug tone that was laced throughout her voice. She chanced a peak out and wasn't exactly surprised to see the smirk that was playing on the shifter's lips.

"Level three?" Hermione quizzed with a laugh, moving to push Storm down and clamber on top of her.

"Oh bloody hell you're trying to kill me!" Storm joked, though the older woman caught the way the shifter was eyeing her hungrily. Her dark eyes flitting across her exposed skin as the bedsheets fell away from them almost entirely.

"Oh shut up you" Hermione quipped, punctuating her remark with a kiss to seal the deal.

The rest of the morning passed quickly that way, and before they knew it the quiet rustle of their little boy moving around had caught their attention. So began the day as a three, celebrating another momentous occasion with their loved ones.

A:N/ At this point these chapters are literally just me making the most out of certain events these guys are going through.

Hope you enjoy.

Thanks!

Kass