Disclaimers: See chapter 1.
~x~
Her meeting with the board of governors in the days after her betrothal ceremony and handing Rita Skeeter over to the Ministry had seen her offering up her resignation when she was questioned over her personal life and refused to answer.
An argument had broken out between various governors after Narcissa Malfoy, who had joined the board the year before, questioned the validity of them demanding answers from her when, as far as she could see, it had nothing at all to do with the running of Hogwarts or impacted the students in any way. Minerva could have hugged the witch, almost forgetting the fact she'd known Hermione was alive when the rest of the world assumed her dead. Instead, she offered her a slight nod of thanks.
When the board couldn't come to a consensus, the meeting was brought to an abrupt halt and nothing further came from it other than being advised they would be watching.
The weeks after passed quickly with her attending to Hogwarts business when needed and when not busy preparing for the upcoming year, spending the glorious summer days with her mate and their daughter.
Wanting to make up for the lost time, she made each day together count by organising day trips to various Muggle areas of interest, the most memorable being a long weekend in Blackpool where they'd paddled in the sea, visited the tower and various other attractions, played in the amusement arcades, and over two days had tackled all the rides and rollercoasters at the Pleasure Beach and purchasing the Muggle photos that were taken. In all honesty, she'd been glad when the weekend was over. The large rollercoasters Isobel and Hermione loved so much had left her with shaky legs and feeling motion sick, especially the one that shot you backwards in a loop.
Every day spent at Hogwarts and away from her family saw her returning to the Manse as soon as she was able and enjoying their dinners together, followed by Coronation Street or a movie. Once Isobel had gone to bed, Minerva often challenged Hermione to a duel, which, more often than not, she rolled her eyes at, but invariably accepted.
In all honesty, there was a reason she challenged her mate so often. Like with Isobel, she wanted the witch to be comfortable using magic, especially since she'd finally accepted the apprenticeship with Ollivander, which was due to start in the second week of September.
Pushing Hermione to remember all she had learnt in her years at Hogwarts seemed necessary. Although books and cleverness were all well and good, the practical application of magic was vital.
Drawing her wand from its holster, Minerva bowed to the witch opposite her, watching as she returned the gesture. "And begin." She stated softly.
She began casting silently, watching Hermione's feet almost dancing as she deflected her spells and hexes as if anticipating each one. Continuing on the offensive, her wand cut through the air and various streams and sparks of colourful light attempted to breach the almost translucent shield Hermione had cast to protect herself.
For ten minutes she continued to cast various spells, occasionally using transfiguration to throw the brunette into a more defensive position. Still, not one of her spells broke through Hermione's Protego.
Minerva couldn't believe it. "Fight me!" She snarled, losing all patience. With narrowed eyes, she focussed on the brunette and noticed a barely-there shimmer but the knowledge that a Disillusionment had been cast came a little too late.
Growling, she spun on her heel, her eyes darting around the room. She was startled when she spotted the brunette leaning idly against the wall twirling her wand between her fingers. Before she could cast another spell, Hermione slashed her wand through the air and she was hit with a stinging hex that had her stumbling backwards with a hiss of pain. A second later her wand soared out of her hand into the outstretched hand of her opponent when she cast a silent Expelliarmus.
"I win," Hermione declared with a wide smile as she stepped forward holding her wand out to her.
Panting slightly from the exertion, Minerva took a deep shuddering breath to calm herself and held a hand to her chest, ignoring her outstretched wand. Unfastening the top three buttons of her blouse, she glanced at the red welt that sat from her collarbone to her breastbone. She looked up into Hermione's eyes and shook her head, offering up a wry smile. "Aye lass, you win."
She saw the brunette's outstretched arm drop as she stepped closer and her eyes fell shut when her blouse was parted further and soft lips trailed over the stinging welt softly.
~x~
Minerva could see that Hermione's confidence had grown over their time together and with it, her comfort levels.
She was thrilled by the changes in her mate, feeling absolute euphoria at witnessing her act more and more like the brave young woman she first fell in love with. That's not to say that she didn't also appreciate the changes the years had brought, she adored the way Hermione was unfailingly patient with both her and Isobel, she had become far more diplomatic and less impetuous or quick to anger.
There was still so much they needed to discuss but wary of pushing things more than she already had, she'd held back.
Since she'd initially offered up her cottage in Hogsmeade, they hadn't discussed living arrangements further and if she was honest with herself, she wanted Hermione to take up residence at Hogwarts with her. The idea of having the younger witch waiting in her chambers for her each evening wouldn't leave her mind.
Moving into the sitting room, unfastening the buttons of her outer robes, she was unsurprised to find Hermione with her nose stuck in a book, while Isobel lay on her stomach in front of the television, Oran perched on her back as she wrote quickly on the parchment in front of her with a quill. The past week had seen their daughter practising with a quill and bottle of ink since Muggle writing instruments weren't used at Hogwarts.
The scene was idyllic and having the family she never expected waiting, was still so new that she didn't quite know what to do with herself. Shrugging out of her outer robe, she folded it over the arm of the chair and sat beside her mate, pulling her feet over her lap only for her to be greeted with a smile.
"Hello, love. Productive day?" Hermione asked lightly.
"Aye, we had the staff meeting and discussed the upcoming term," Minerva explained. "Filius and Neville asked me to say hello." She grew thoughtful.
"And?" Hermione's eyebrow rose, prompting her to continue.
"My staff asked if you will be joining us at Hogwarts when term starts and I find myself–" Minerva shrugged. "–well, I find myself curious as to what you'd like to do. If you want to remain here or not." She found herself shrugging again.
"I think–" Hermione glanced at Isobel and smiled at the sight of her, her auburn curls fanned out around her. "–I don't want to be away from you or Izzy."
"Then I shall have Effie prepare the cottage." Minerva sighed and her hand fell onto Hermione's shin. Although it was a short, pleasant walk from Hogwarts to the cottage, she could easily apparate or have her office connect it to the Floo if the weather took a turn for the worst.
"No. You misunderstand. I don't ever want to be away from you, so as long as you're needed at Hogwarts, I want to be there too." Hermione stated decisively. "I can apparate to work from the gates, or if you're willing, use the Floo from your office."
Minerva was surprised by that. "Oh!" She couldn't stop her smile. "Oh, that'll be fantastic, lass." A pot of tea and plate of Ginger Newts appeared on the low coffee table and she leaned forward when Hermione shifted her legs to sit up. Adding sugar and a splash of milk to one of the cups, she handed it to Hermione before preparing her own and sitting back with a sigh. "Thank you, lass."
"What are you thanking me for?" Hermione asked.
"For a multitude of things. For loving an old woman and letting her feel hope again." She shook her head. "For giving me this chance to have a family. I promise you won't ever regret it."
"Min–" Hermione sighed and set her cup down, brushing a hand through her hair. She gazed up at her from between her curls. "Love, surely by now, you realise I couldn't do anything else?" She smiled softly. "I love you." She whispered.
Unable to resist, Minerva placed her cup of tea down beside Hermione's and leaning close placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "I love you too, lass." She continued to kiss her softly until a giggle broke them apart. Glancing at the spot the sound had come from, Minerva realised Isobel was sitting up just watching them with a bright smile. Arching an eyebrow, she smirked at her daughter. "Yes, mo nighean?"
"You two are so cute, màthair," Isobel stated before she giggled again.
"Is that so?" Minerva smiled down at her little one. "You must come by it honestly then. Because I can assure you, you are just the cutest."
Isobel blushed so hard that the tips of her ears turned pink. Easing herself to her feet, she stepped closer and then climbed up onto her lap, snuggling into her. "We missed you today."
"Oh, my wee bairn, I missed you too." She sat back and sighed in contentment. "I do have something to discuss with you though. On Wednesday, you can travel to school on the Hogwarts Express, or, since I am of the mind to settle back at Hogwarts this weekend, you can simply remain with me and your mum until everyone arrives, at which point, you'll join the feast and be sorted into your house."
"I'd like to go on the train," Isobel stated nervously. "I know it'll be awkward to take me to London only to travel back to Hogwarts and that it's a long trip, but I reckon it'll be a good way to meet people and maybe make friends." She hid her face. "I've never really had friends before."
"Oh, mo nighean, I'm sure you'll make lots of friends," Minerva assured her. "Now, I know Victoire is attending this year, but there are others you'll meet that will have been raised in the Muggle world too, and they'll understand exactly what you have been through." She gazed down at the young witch. "There's a Muggleborn lass that's part of Harry's family." She advised. "His cousin's little girl, Daisy Dursley." She explained. "But if you like, I'll give you the wee bit of advice I once received. and that I gave your mum in her first year when she was struggling to connect with her peers."
Isobel pulled back and looked at her. "Yes please."
"What many people appreciate, above anything else, is loyalty and honesty," Minerva stated. "That is especially true in Gryffindor, and it is thanks to that, your mum has such an unbreakable friendship with Harry." She smiled.
"Who do you have?" Isobel looked up at her, clearly curious.
"I have lost many people over the years, mo nighean. My family and many of my friends have passed beyond the veil. But I still have Roly and Poppy. That's Madam Hooch and Madam Pomfrey to you. Plus I have your mum." Minerva explained tapping Isobel on the nose lightly. "Don't tell her this, but she's easily one of my favourite people in the whole world." She whispered conspiratorially.
"Màthair—" Isobel faltered.
"You can ask me anything, Isobel," Minerva assured the young girl. "And I'll do my best to answer honestly."
"How old are you?" Isobel blushed again. "I mean–well–you talk as if you're ancient, but you don't look that old."
"I will be 76 in October," Minerva explained. "I will tell you a secret, Isobel. As a witch, you'll age normally until you're seventeen. After that, once you come of age, the rate you age will slow to around half. There is also a possibility you will live far longer. It is not unusual for a witch or wizard to live beyond 100 years old, often more."
She watched as Isobel worked out the math. "Why doesn't mam look like she's in her early 20s then?"
Minerva sighed. "Because she left the wizarding world and stopped using her magic." She sighed. "She barely looks like she's 30 because for a year or two she aged at half the usual rate. This means we look closer in age than we are."
"Oh." Isobel shrugged before settling further into her arms. "I hope I look as pretty as you when I'm 75." She whispered.
Minerva brushed a kiss against her daughter's head, trying to hide her blush. "Och, I don't know about that."
"I'm sure you will be, my little love," Hermione stated softly. "You're both so beautiful."
~x~
The final days of the summer holiday saw everyone at the Manse bustling around, trying to get ready for the move to Hogwarts.
Minerva decided that packing the family up needed serious strategic planning, much like a war. It was especially true since she wanted her family to have everything they needed without having to send Effie back and forth between Hogwarts and the Manse. She'd also taken the time to arrange for the Ministry to connect the fireplace in her chambers to the Floo Network to save Hermione having to use the one in her office or apparate.
Hermione had used the time to go through the library, pulling out the books that had been purchased on wandlore and wandcraft, as well as various others that interested her, and shrinking them down, she placed them in her trunk alongside the rest of her belongings.
Hogwarts had fully prepared for Isobel with a room magically appearing on the opposite side of Minerva's chambers. It had been a surprise she'd not expected, but since it was decorated with green accents, their daughter's favourite colour, it was evident it was meant for her and all her books and trinkets from the house in Manchester were now there.
Friday evening came about quickly and with a flick of Minerva's wand, their trunks were sent on to her rooms at Hogwarts and they sat down to their final supper at the Manse.
Half-listening to the light chatter between Isobel and Hermione as Effie served them, she felt content. Sipping a glass of water, she sat back and watched her mate and daughter make plans for the final days before the term started. There was a promise of another trip to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley and a picnic beside the lake. Hermione had explained to Isobel that she should also take the time to explore the castle.
"I believe we could utilise one of the unused classrooms for you to practice charms and spellwork," Minerva suggested. "Some of your teachers will be available to talk to you about your upcoming classes." She advised. "Professor Flitwick is particularly enthusiastic about your presence since he hopes you will have an aptitude for Charms just
like your mum did."
"Cool," Isobel grinned before scooping up the last of the mashed potato on her plate and popping it into her mouth and chewing quickly. "Is Professor Flitwick the little person?"
"Aye, but there is a reason for that. He is part-goblin, Isobel." Minerva said sternly. "He is a brilliant wizard and has proven himself to be a gifted educator. He is one of my dearest acquaintances and I will not have you judge him for that."
"I'm not judging, màthair." Isobel frowned. "It's just—he's so small where Professor Hagrid is so big and—." Tears formed in her eyes. "—I don't care if he's part-goblin, elf or if he has dwarfism, I think it's brill he hopes I'm like mam."
"Min, Isobel's use of the term little person is correct, it's what Muggles use for people with restricted growth," Hermione explained.
Minerva understood she'd made an error in believing Isobel was judging her friend. Although she was from one of the old families, her upbringing outside of the wizarding world meant she had not been subjected to any bias and obviously the Muggles had terminology of their own that she was not aware of.
"I'm sorry, mo nighean. I forgot for a moment that you wouldn't bear some of the old prejudices." Leaning forward she continued to explain. "Some of the old families, especially those belonging to the so-called Sacred Twenty-Eight, would judge Professor Flitwick for his Goblin bloodline." Minerva swallowed and licked her lips before sipping her glass of water.
"Are we part of the twenty-eight?" Isobel queried, her chin trembling slightly.
"No, thank Merlin!" Hermione declared hotly. "They are the families that are seen as truly pure-blood because they do not marry Muggles, Muggle-borns or even half-bloods. So because your mamó married a muggle, House Ross, despite being pure-blood, would not be included in the list." Her arms crossed over her chest and her jaw clenched. "I hope they've realised that too much inbreeding causes mental instability."
Minerva sat back in her chair. "I doubt House Ross would have ever made the list. Like the Potter name, Ross is too much of a Muggle surname and considered to have come from polluted blood." Minerva scoffed. "This world would have died out by now if it wasn't for Muggles and Muggle-borns" She shrugged and looked at Isobel. "I am thankful for my parentage, my athair was a good man, and although he was overwhelmed by our abilities, he loved us."
"So am I pure-blood? Since you're both magical?" Isobel asked.
"No, you're half-blood," Hermione muttered.
Seeing Isobel's confusion, Minerva continued to explain. "Half-blood is a catch-all term for wizards and witches born to magical parents but with both Muggle and magical ancestry. To be pure-blood, your parents and all grandparents on both sides would have to be magical."
"Oh." Isobel looked away. "It won't make a difference, will it?"
"Not to those that matter, mo nighean," Minerva reassured. "In fact when people learn that your mum's the Brain of the Golden Trio, you may garner far more attention than you know what to do with." Her lips twitched up in the hint of a smile. "And while there's not too many McGonagall's, I doubt my position as Headmistress of Hogwarts will put too many people off."
~x~
Minerva slowly moved up the stairs having closed up the Manse for the night. Hermione had gone up almost thirty minutes before, claiming she wanted to bathe before bed, and she'd left her to it, to finish going through her mail and organise a few final things that were needed for the school year.
Entering the lamp-lit bedroom, Minerva smiled at the sight of the damp curls framing the face of her beloved in the low light.
Hermione was sitting cross-legged on their bed, a notebook in her lap, twirling a pen between her fingers while staring down at the blank page. Absentmindedly, she put the end of the pen in her mouth, clearly not having heard the bedroom door whisper open.
Entering their room fully, she turned to close the door quietly with a soft click. As she crossed the room, Hermione continued to chew her pen but leant against the headboard, allowing her to take in what she was wearing In a scarlet silk nightgown that ended mid-thigh, her mate looked stunning and she couldn't quite stop the audible gulp as she tried to bring moisture to her suddenly dry throat.
Taking the pins from her hair and banishing them with a flick of her wrist to the bathroom, she waited for Hermione to notice her. When it became clear she wasn't going to get a reaction from the brunette, she spoke. "What's all this, lass?"
Hermione's head jerked up in surprise and she bit her lower lip nervously. "Minerva! I didn't expect you to get through the rest of your work so quickly." She admitted, stretching slightly to put the notebook and pen on the bedside table. She stood and made her way towards her, looking directly into her eyes as she approached.
Minerva glanced down at Hermione as she reached a hand out to move a lock of her hair behind her ear. "There wasn't much."
Hermione's hand cupped her cheek, her fingers gently rubbing her jaw and neck. She let out a sigh and leaned into the touch and the young woman pulled her into a loose embrace. "It's our last night here," she whispered.
"I know." Minerva sighed again. "But it's not like we're leaving forever, lass." She shifted so that Hermione was closer and started to sway.
"I like it here," Hermione admitted. She moved onto her tiptoes and brushed her lips against Minerva's softly while her fingertips grazed the skin of her cheek and neck.
Minerva ran her hands up Hermione's silk-clad back and deepened the kiss. In the time since their betrothal ceremony, she had continued to let Hermione take charge of their intimacy, without pressing for more, but was finding it increasingly difficult not to make love to her. Her hands stroked down, cupping Hermione's firm, round backside before running them upwards, over her hips and stomach. She halted the caress at the underside of her breasts.
Hermione moaned softly at her touch, opening her mouth so that she could run her tongue over hers. Minerva savoured the taste as fingers rose to tangle in her long ebony hair, pulling at the strands as they continued to kiss. Hermione eventually pulled away from the kiss and her hands left Minerva's hair to move to her shoulders, and she slowly trailed her fingers across her collarbone. She started to unbutton Minerva's shirt with nimble fingers before pushing it off her shoulders and letting it fall to the floor.
"What are you doing?" Minerva gazed down at Hermione, watching as her hands rose to slide the straps of her nightgown down her arms.
Freeing her arms, Hermione let the silk slip over her chest and down to her waist before it cascaded over her hips, leaving her naked. "Isn't it obvious, love?"
Minerva's arms immediately wrapped themselves around her mate and she held her close, relishing the feel of Hermione's warm skin against her own partly clothed body.
Hermione's hands moved, stroking along Minerva's back, her short nails lightly raking over the skin before she unclasped her bra.
"Mmm," Minerva hummed in delight, leaning close to nip at Hermione's neck.
Whimpering, Hermione trembled when Minerva placed a soft kiss on her pulse point. "I want you to make love to me." She admitted.
"Truly?" Minerva questioned, pulling back to look down into Hermione's eyes. "Are you sure, lass?" She added, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hermione leaned in and kissed her way up Minerva's neck to her ear. "I want you, Minerva McGonagall." She breathed, in a voice low and heated with desire. "I'm yours, so take me."
~x~
Minerva whimpered as Hermione's hands slid up her ribs, to quickly cup her breast, throwing her head back in pleasure when Hermione's thumbs ran over her nipples, her body responding enthusiastically. She bit her lip to stop the noises escaping from her.
Hermione continued to massage her breasts with one hand. The other reached between their bodies and with a flick of her wrist she unfastened the button at Minerva's waist, pushing her trousers over her hips to let them fall, and then pushed forward until Minerva stepped back out of them. She kicked them aside before stepping close and kissing Minerva again, her teeth nipping her bottom lip, earning a soft moan.
Minerva felt like she was drowning from all the sensations running through her. She wanted Hermione, and she would have her.
With a muttered Divesto, she removed the rest of her clothes and kissed Hermione with all the love and passion she felt, their tongues intertwining. She guided Hermione back, taking slow steps toward the bed until the top of the mattress brushed against the back of her knees and she fell back.
Minerva followed, settling quickly on her knees between Hermione's parted thighs. Pressing herself against Hermione, she took pleasure from the fact she spread herself wider. Moving her head down, she took a nipple into her mouth, sucking on it as she ran her fingers over the other.
Hermione's fingers curled into Minerva's hair tugging her firmly against her breast and she switched to licking her other nipple, gently running her teeth against the sensitive flesh making Hermione groan.
"You're so beautiful," Minerva purred, running her free hand along Hermione's thigh.
Hermione pulled Minerva's face back to hers, pressing their lips together again, her tongue running alongside Minerva's, exploring her mouth. She whimpered, her eyes darkening with lust as she gazed up at Minerva as she hovered above her.
Minerva leaned in, trailing her lips along Hermione's neck and nipping at her pulse point again. Her tongue circled the faint scar marring the skin where her shoulder met her neck and Hermione tilted her head, baring her throat to her. "It's been so hard keeping my hands off you," she murmured, running her fingers between them until they stroked against the trimmed hair at the apex of her thighs. "Are you certain?"
Hermione nodded breathlessly and her hips bucked at the gentle caress of Minerva's fingers against her outer folds. "Yes. I trust you, love. Please." She begged.
Pulling back, Minerva placed her hands on each of Hermione's legs to spread her wider before leaning in and placing a soft kiss on her mons.
Hermione moaned. "Please, I need more."
"Your wish is my command," Minerva stated, swiping her tongue between her outer lips and beginning to lick.
Hermione cried out, arching her back, her eyes squeezing shut and her hands gripping the sheets and Minerva placed her hands on her hips to hold her down as she continued to flick her tongue to stimulate her clit.
"More—oh, Minerva, love. I need more." Hermione whimpered.
Releasing Hermione's hips, Minerva pressed a single finger into Hermione causing her to gasp and buck her hips. She pumped in and out, before adding a second finger and curling them slightly to brush her sweet spot.
"Oh, Merlin! Min—" Hermione groaned, her thighs pressing against Minerva's head as she writhed. One of her hands twisted in the sheets while the other tangled into Minerva's hair, pulling it slightly. "More, more, more, please." She pleaded, her voice growing husky.
She continued to pleasure her mate, pumping her fingers and lapping at her clit until she felt Hermione begin to tremble as she hit her peak and climaxed, calling Minerva's name hoarsely, her body jerking as the waves of pleasure washed over her.
Minerva remained between Hermione's thighs, tasting every bit of her essence as it flowed from her until she melted against the mattress, her eyes closed as she lay panting, one arm thrown over her head while the other stayed tangled in her hair. She took the time to admire Hermione from her place, resting her chin against the younger woman's stomach. Lowering her gaze, she saw the faint stretch marks from carrying Isobel and was overcome with all the love she felt. She pressed her lips against the soft skin below her, worshipping each of the scars.
A tug at her hair had Minerva glancing up to meet the captivating gaze of her mate. Allowing herself to be pulled up, she hovered over the younger witch and smiled down at her. In an unexpected move, Hermione used her weight to turn them and swiftly straddled Minerva. Her eyes widened in surprise but she revelled in the sight of the exquisite woman looking down at her with a cheeky grin.
"Well, I enjoyed that," Hermione purred. "But I believe it's time to return the favour. It's only fair." She leaned down, but before she could connect their lips, Minerva reversed their position. She didn't give Hermione a chance to respond, instead, she leaned down to kiss her fiercely. Hermione moaned and sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and Minerva shifted so that their legs were entwined. She pressed her body against Hermione while placing soft kisses against her lips.
"In the spirit of fairness—" Minerva muttered between their kisses. "I believe I am in your debt." She moaned softly. "Since our betrothal—" She ground down against Hermione's thigh. "—I've experienced multiple—oh!" Pleasure washed through her and closing her eyes, she shuddered.
"Please, love. Come for me." Hermione urged, running a hand up and down Minerva's back. She broke the kiss and slid her lips along Minerva's jaw. She began to suck right below her ear until Minerva was whimpering. "I love it when you come for me." She whispered, using her weight once more to shift them.
Understanding she was fighting a losing battle, Minerva pulled on Hermione's hips. "Let me taste you." She proposed. "Come up here," she murmured, grabbing her hips to help guide her where she wanted, her knees on either side of her face, and slowly lowering her body against her lips and tongue. Hermione whimpered as soon as her tongue contacted her, and Minerva knew it wouldn't take long for her to climax a second time.
Hermione threw her head back in pleasure as soon as she felt Minerva's tongue move inside her. She rocked against her face, her thighs trembling as she hurtled towards her orgasm. "Oh, fuck!" She wailed.
Minerva redoubled her efforts, guiding Hermione's hips, knowing the sensations would soon become too much. Changing direction, she sucked her clit between her lips.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Hermione chanted as she reached her climax, her body tensing.
Minerva concentrated on Hermione when she cried out again before rolling off her and dropping down beside her trying to catch her breath. She took in her flushed face, ragged breathing and smouldering eyes and decided she'd never seen anything as beautiful. "More?" She asked.
Hermione let out a breathless chuckle and slid a hand along her side and over her stomach, her fingertips stopping just above her clit. "Your turn."
Minerva hissed and Hermione slid her hand between her legs, lightly rubbing her clit. She looked up in wonder at the gorgeous witch and stretched her hand to caress her cheek. Her orgasm was building rapidly and she wanted to be as close as she could be to her mate. "I love you," she whispered. "Oh, lass. I love you."
"I love you, too," Hermione said, grinning as an explosive climax rocked through Minerva.
~x~
NOTE: Sorry about the lack of update the last day or so, my brain melted (javascripting in work) and then my Internet crapped itself. I'm hoping to have the final chapter up by the end of the weekend :)