Chapter 11

The next morning came quickly and Hermione was being awoken by a quiet ringing next to her ear. Bleary eyes blinked open to investigate what exactly the sound was coming from, and she was surprised to be met with a muggle alarm clock and a note left on Storm's vacated pillow. Though she was a little disappointed to find the Shifter hadn't woken her before she left for Quidditch, she was grateful for being able to sleep in a little longer.

Often, she stayed in bed until she woke naturally on a Saturday morning. Storm always leaving her to rest while she went off to play. She had joked about Ginny wanting them on the field early enough to practice before everything kicked off once, and Hermione had soon realised just how early, early actually was.

With a heavy yawn and a stretch she scooted up the bed, allowing the duvet to pool around her hips as she got herself situated more comfortably in order to read the message she'd been left. Dark eyes skimmed over scrawling, messy handwriting she'd become accustomed to. She had struggled to read the letters she had gotten at first, but had quickly deciphered them.

"Hermione, I'm sorry to have left you to wake alone this morning. I really didn't want to go at all, especially at this obscene hour." The note started, and Hermione could almost hear the annoyance in Storm's voice as she continued to read.

"I have left you tea on the side table, and Harry will be round an hour after the alarm goes off so you haven't got to make your way to the stadium alone. I am so looking forward to seeing you soon.

Yours, always.

Storm"

Hermione sighed deeply as she scanned over the words a few times, taking a moment to flick dark eyes towards the side table. A steaming cup of tea left sat waiting for her, enchanted to stay hot and fresh. She smiled to herself, a small smile as she pulled the mug to her lips. An hour was plenty of time to get ready without dwelling too much on what exactly the game would bring.

The hour passed quickly as she readied herself for the day that was to come. Wearing a few extra layers like Storm had instructed. Noting with a laugh that Storm had also left a note stuck to the glass wall of the shower explaining how this was something she wished they'd be doing together this morning as well.

Hermione had simply rolled her eyes after chuckling to herself. She definitely shared those sentiments, but figured after a morning up in the wind and potential rain that could be a mighty fine idea for warming the Shifter up. Something she was sure Storm would also definitely agree with.

As she made her way down the stairs, empty mug in hand and entirely dressed and ready to go she noted Harry already sat at the kitchen table. Quidditch weekly laid out in front of him with a cup of tea still steaming not too far away. As she entered the room, she smiled a wide smile that had been returned with just as much enthusiasm.

"Hello Hermione" Harry spoke cheerfully "You look well rested" He noted, green eyes fixing her with a suspicious stare. His lips tugged up into a rather knowing smile.

"Have you already seen Storm?" She questioned, though she was pretty sure she had already figured the answer out. The way he was regarding her in that teasing manor he adopted told her everything she really needed to know.

"I have, yes" He answered simply before chuckling to himself. "She wanted to make sure I was going to look after you. She also might have mentioned the new state of your relationship." He added as if it was just a passing thought. Skimming over it as if it were no big deal, testing the waters.

Hermione just shook her head, unable to stop the smile from taking her lips as she thought about the Shifter. The nights events so unexpected, yet so fitting. "She's incredibly forgiving" Hermione quipped simply as she watched the boy she called her best friend stand to shrug his coat on. Figuring it was probably time to get going.

"Only if she likes you enough to give you a second chance. She's ruthless when she doesn't like someone, or doesn't like what someone's doing" Harry stated simply, confirming what Hermione had thought. "It seems she has a mighty big soft spot for you" He chuckled again, moving to pull his wand from his jacket pocket. Muttering a few spells to ensure he had tidied up after himself.

"Shall we?" He questioned then, motioning towards the open sliding glass door. "The game will be starting in about fifteen minutes, from what Ginny has said it absolutely won't be one we want to miss."

-x-x-x-x-

Storm found herself hovering above the pitch flanked by the rest of the team. The wind was borderline violent, and there was sleet absolutely hammering them all already. She could feel the cold already seeping through her robes, the wetness adding to their weight. Her hair was already dripping and slicked back away from goggles that luckily had an anti-steaming charm on them.

Dark eyes flicked up and around the stands that surrounded them on all sides before settling on the redhead in front of her. Ginny had her own news to share that morning, and it had left Storm with a very uneasy feeling deep within the pit of her belly. The team had all been briefed, instructions set and the beaters told to stick to the redhead and keep her as safe as possible.

Though Storm entirely agreed with that, she knew that left her open and an easy target. There had been rumours leading up to the match of potential tactics from the other side, and she knew there was a good chance of being unseated in some way. Though that wasn't anything out of the ordinary in itself, there was a very real acknowledgement of Hermione being in the stands for the first time. She figured she probably wouldn't enjoy watching her get slammed with an iron ball, or multiple.

She needed to get the game done as quickly as possible, but with the state of the weather she was sure that was definitely wishful thinking. The snitch would almost certainly remain elusive. It always did when she wanted to get a game squared away. Not only was she absolutely itching to get back to Hermione, but now she was also incredibly concerned for her own best friend.

A whistle somewhere in the distance blew, a shrill high-pitched squeal cutting through the deafening sound of the wind already battering all of them threatening to send them off course as they hovered waiting to go. The balls were released and the game was on within a breath of the whistle's screech. Storm took a moment to really get her bearings, her dark eyes watching the oppositions seeker. She knew he was straight out of school, and this was his first season as a professional. There would be absolutely no competition there.

She had a plan to ensure he was taken out of the way quickly, but didn't want to deploy such drastic measures just yet. The whistle of a bludger heading her way already caught her attention and she rolled quickly to avoid any damage. Obviously, were hot on their own plan to get her out of the way.

With that thought she kicked herself into high gear, hugging herself close to the handle of her broom as she set her sights firmly on the young lad that was now circling above the pitch. She knew he was already watching her, watching every single move she made. His head swivelling on his shoulder's every few seconds to look back at where she was.

He looked startled to see she was already racing towards him, coming up right behind him with no sign of slowing down. He visibly froze as she angled her broom in just the right way, at just the last second. Her booted feet meeting the smooth wooden handle just briefly before pushing off hard, launching herself up and entirely into the air. It was almost as if time slowed completely as she cleared him completely before coming down to catch her broom once again, landing with practiced ease to continue her flight as if nothing had happened.

Turning her head for just a moment to watch as he stared after her, having come to a complete stop to hover where he sat. She knew her flying skills were absolutely unparalleled, and now he knew it too. There would be no chance, not if she was actively able to play for him to beat her. He was spooked, and she knew it.

Another bludger hurtled towards her aimed her way by a smirking beater who had obviously seen her stunt. Another duck just at the right moment and she was left to scan the air around the pitch. Dark, sharp eyes squinting through the sleet to watch for any sign of the golden glinting ball she needed.

She caught sight of Ginny racing past her towards the goal posts quickly, Quaffle settled safely in the crook of her elbow. Her red hair billowing out in contrast to the green of her cape, looking as if she was simply a streak of fire along the dull grey sky. She watched with thinly veiled horror as one of the opposing chasers caught up to the redhead, sinking an elbow square to her jaw.

Anger welled within the pit of her stomach, and red clouded her vision. Knowing without a doubt that they had been instructed to incapacitate both of them wherever possible. The only chance they had of winning in this instance. Either taking out their best chaser and winning on points alone, or taking Storm out to win with the points catching the Snitch brought.

She made the decision quickly to take matters into her own hands, to play a little dirty herself. She watched as the other shifter tailed her closely. A smirk pulled at her lips and she pushed the nose of her broom down, sending herself hurtling towards the floor. Though consciously keeping to a pace that was easy enough to follow. She could hear the commentators booming voice over the rush of the wind, adding to the illusion that she had in fact seen the snitch.

She watched as he creeped up, watched as he followed with reckless abandon straight towards the floor. The grass growing closer and closer with each passing breath that was stolen by the wind rushing upwards and past them both. He thought she had seen the snitch; he was following her and as the ground grew dangerously close she knew he wouldn't be able to pull up in time.

She steeled her nerves, swallowing hard as she focused keeping her trajectory for another second before pulling up hard. Throwing all of her body weight into changing the direction of her flight path, twisting violently to skim the grass of the pitch with her back, her cape billowing out and dragging through the mud. The gut-wrenching crunch that followed her soon after told her everything she needed to know. She doubted he'd be back for the rest of the game, and figured that gave her prime opportunity to do what she had to do.

If the other team had any clue now, or any tactic at all the Bludgers would be aimed entirely towards the chasers. Leaving her free to end the match relatively easily. If only she could find the Snitch quickly enough.

Briefly the thought of Hermione in the stands watching her do something so ruthless made her cringe internally. But such was the life of a Quidditch player. She had to do what she had to do to keep herself and the rest of the team safe. Their own Beaters would have better chances of protecting their side if they only had the Chasers to worry about. The game was notoriously dangerous and those they played at Hogwarts were mild compared to how they went in the professional world.

If you didn't come off the pitch with something broken, you were very, very lucky indeed. Storm had quite quickly lost count of how many times she'd been injured quite grievously in the air. Though their medics were incredible and righted any wrongs before they left the stadium after.

With that thought she caught sight of the little golden ball flitting lazily high up above the ground. She paused for just a second, unable to really believe her luck. It was rare that everything went exactly to plan, especially with so much at stake.

Without hesitation she pushed herself forward, watching as it hovered and jumped and dived in the same area. Almost as if it was taunting her completely, teasing her. Everything blurred as she pressed herself down into her broom, sending herself rocketing across the pitch as fast as she could possibly go. The rest of the players whipped past, and she avoided them with practised ease. The stands one mass of colour as she zoned in.

She stretched out as the tiny ball came closer, reaching a long arm out to wrap strong fingers around the fluttering ball. The commentator's voice once again booming above the wind and sleet dulling her hearing. Announcing that they'd won. The instant feeling of relief settled over her shoulders as she sighed heavily. Grateful for such a short, easy game.

Though as she slowed herself, all the wind was knocked from her lungs as a solid object collided with her side. Her ribs groaning under the weight of a Bludger as was all but thrown from her broom, the metal ball catching her entirely off guard. Swinging wildly as she clung on with the one hand that had remained on her handle. Nothing but air beneath her as she dangled precariously, legs flailing a little to counterbalance the momentum she had gained.

"Hermione's going to be having kittens!" Came Ginny's voice as she appeared above her, purple lips curved up into a wide grin despite her words. Normally she didn't play so roughly with the newbies but normally she didn't have so many incentives to get back onto solid ground. She did feel a little guilty, but figured this was a lesson he would have had to learn at some time. You don't always follow the other Seeker with such reckless abandon. Especially when you can't see the snitch yourself.

"Well, you can tell her exactly why this had to be a short match" Storm grumbled as she shoved the now still Snitch into her robe pocket. Reaching up with her now free hand to pull herself back onto her broom. Swinging herself up and onto the smooth wooden handle easily now that she had both hands, booted feet meeting footholds to steady herself.

"I will" Ginny stated simply, hazel eyes avoiding her own as they made their way back down to the pitch. The rest of the team already waiting to swarm them, everyone excited for another win. It was the last game until the New year, and it was definitely one way to go out.

-x-x-x-x-

"What is she doing?!" Hermione shrieked, knuckles white around Harry's forearm as she clung on. The breath in her lungs threatening to leave entirely as she watched the Shifter heading straight for the floor with no signs of changing direction. The two Seekers nothing but a blur of motion as they hit speeds Hermione was sure she'd never seen at Hogwarts.

"She's taking out the opposition" Harry spoke calmly, green eyes watching the maneuver keenly. He'd known this was coming, having suggested it to Ginny that morning. Though he couldn't stop the wince that pulled at his lips as he watched the younger Seeker hit the ground at full force. Hermione's grip growing painful as she finally exhaled, relaxing just a little bit as Storm ascended once again.

"How barbaric" Was Hermione's retorted response, though dark eyes never once left the younger woman now flying quite casually in search of the Snitch that would end the game. He had thought she might actually hit him when Storm leapt from her broom to leapfrog over the novice on the opposing team. It was quite clear that she hadn't followed Quidditch at all since leaving Hogwarts.

He knew she always tuned them out when anyone spoke of the game. Though he had expected her to do a little research into the Shifter she had been seeing. At least enough to see if she was any good or not.

"Hermione, she's trying to get the Beaters off her back. The only way they'll win now is if they incapacitate our Chasers enough to win on points." Harry explained, and he knew she was listening by the way her jaw tightened exponentially. Her fingers still wrapped quite firmly around his forearm.

"I didn't realise she was so fast" Was the offhanded comment that came then. Surprising him a little bit. He had partially expected her to flip out entirely, but she actually seemed relatively calm.

"Have you not done any research into what she actually does?" Harry quizzed then, still entirely unable to believe his bookworm of a best friend hadn't looked into the topic. It was Hermione, and Hermione researched everything.

"Not really, I didn't think Quidditch could be so in depth" The brunette admitted finally, dark eyes flicking to meet green ones regarding her with thinly veiled amusement. "I mean, it never really interested me enough to look into it." She sighed, releasing the dark-haired man's arm from her grip.

"Well, if you would have you'd have found out that Storm has been the world's best Seeker for a good few years now. She's the best flyer I've ever seen, and that's saying something" Harry spoke truthfully, watching the shock take the older woman's expression. He knew Storm wouldn't have brought it up, never one to really gloat. She always remained humble, regardless of her achievements.

"She even works with Firebolt, she's donated enough brooms to Hogwarts to replace the old Cleansweeps they've been using for years. Though that probably had a lot to do with Joseph" He laughed, shaking his head briefly. He hadn't entirely been surprised when the young boy had told them what had happened.

"I didn't realise there was so much to it" Hermione spoke then, her shoulder's impossibly straight as she just barely made eye contact before flicking her gaze away again. Clearly thinking over the implications of what had just been said. "Harry, why is it she's trying to end this game so quickly? Why are the Beaters protecting Ginny?" She questioned then, having put the pieces together in her keen mind.

Harry sighed then; he had hoped to have the redhead in question with them when he disclosed this information. Feeling rather guilty for leaving her out of such a big announcement, one that was mostly hers to share. "Ginny's pregnant" He started, unable to fight the proud smile that tugged his lips up. "This is the last game she's going to be playing."

"Congratulations!" Hermione spoke then, wrapping her arms around his shoulders to pull him in to a crushing hug. Her own features twisted with a mix of surprise and joy. Of course, that made sense. She figured that was definitely a good enough reason for the extreme measure's the players had taken to get the game done.

Before she could say much else the entire crowd around them erupted with cheers. The commentator's voice echoed through the stands to let them know Storm had ended the match and won the game for their team. Though as she twisted back to watch what was going on, her eyes grew wide as she watched Storm get hit with a Bludger.

The younger woman having been thrown from her broom by the force of the impact, swinging with nothing but air beneath her. Her breath left her own body as she watched her dangle for a moment before righting herself finally. Ginny hovering nearby, though their expressions were indistinguishable through the continued onslaught of sleet she knew they were talking.

The next half an hour seemed to pass at a snails pace as she parted ways with Harry, making her way back to Storm's place. She found herself pottering around, unable to really focus on anything for long enough to adequately occupy herself. Though the issue of Quidditch weekly Harry had been reading was sat on the kitchen table.

She found herself curious after their conversation about the Shifter. It seemed Hermione had really missed a trick, and really had no idea just how accomplished the younger woman actually was when it came to the sport. Settling herself down in the chair the green-eyed boy had occupied earlier, her own cup of tea settled before her on the table she flipped open the front cover.

Sure enough a few pages in there was an advertisement for Firebolt and her very own Seeker was stood with one of the brooms lent against her chest. One hand shoved deep into her pocket, one hand wrapped around the handle as she smiled and moved in place. The article to go along with it only confirming what her best friend had disclosed.

She had been so focused on the Shifter's grinning face in the moving photo that she had missed the small pop that was swallowed up by the freezing rain pattering heavily on the wooden decking just outside the door. Storm had wandered in from the cold, changed out of her robes and back into her usual jeans and a really rather large sweatshirt.

"So, what did you think then?" Storm spoke, startling the older woman out of her own thoughts. A crooked smirk already fixed quite firmly across her lips as she made her way further into the room. Making a beeline straight for the woman she had so reluctantly left earlier that morning.

"I didn't realise it was going to be so violent" Hermione admitted sheepishly. She knew she should have known, the World Cup they had attended all those years before had definitely been quite brutal. She wasn't quite sure why she thought that would have been a one off, or why she figured any other game would be different.

"That was actually really tame" Storm laughed, leaning over to press a kiss to the brunette's temple. Chilled fingers brushing dark curls back over the older woman's shoulder. Her gaze flicking down to the open issue of Quidditch weekly, her own face staring back at her. Something she never really got used to, the idea of it still quite strange.

"You scared me, I thought you were going to hit the ground!" She scolded as she moved to bury her nose in Storm's stomach, twisting in her chair to wrap her fingers in the damp sweatshirt that shielded the younger woman from the chilly afternoon air.

Storm just laughed in response, shaking her head as she did so. Long fingers moving to drag through her still damp hair, not having wasted time on drying herself entirely. Having been so entirely excited to get back to Hermione as quickly as possible.

"Did Harry tell you about Ginny?" She questioned then, pulling the older woman up with her to lead her into the living room. Collapsing a little heavily onto the sofa first, a deep sigh escaping her lips as Hermione settled next to her after setting her mug of tea of the coffee table in the middle of the room. She was sure he would have; he had been so excited that morning when they had clued Storm into what was going on.

"Yes" Hermione nodded, moving to turn herself so she could look the younger woman over. The need to make sure she was truly in one piece welling up in the pit of her stomach. One hand moving to slide across the Shifter's stomach before settling on her side, tracing circles there through her sweatshirt. "I'm a little surprised it's not happened sooner though" She admitted finally, a little quietly.

"Me too" Storm laughed, shaking her head as she moved to sink further into the soft cushions of the sofa. A tired, content sigh escaping her lips as she leant over to press a tender kiss to the older woman's lips ever so briefly. "Do you want kids, Hermione?" She questioned then as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Hermione was a little taken back by that and the lack of context behind it. Did she want to know if she wanted kids in general, or if she wanted kids with her. She figured though they hadn't quite been what you would call an official couple, they had been together for a good few months and neither of them were as young as they once were. The metaphorical clock was definitely ticking and she figured she was definitely not in it to play games.

She thought on both meanings of the question for a moment, did she want kids? Yes, she supposed she did. She was in a good place at work, and could definitely pull back at this point. She made good money and that wasn't going to change anytime soon.

Did she want kids with Storm? She figured that answer too was yes. She could see a future with the woman beside her. It was so easy with her, so normal and natural. They just gelled in a way that made her confident that this was it. A way she had never felt before.

"I do." She answered honestly after only a few moments of quiet thought. "Do you want any more?" She shot the question back, never really getting Storm's standpoint on any more kids. They had discussed it as part of the reason she and Ron had finally disintegrated, but she had never asked the younger woman the question.

"I would really like a family" She answered quietly, her own fingers moving to play with the strings on Hermione's hoody. Wrapping the knotted end around a finger a few times absently before letting it go once again. "I know we're really just starting up properly, and that you're just out of something really serious. So I'm quite happy to be on your timetable. But that's something I'd like to see for us in the future." Storm clarified bravely, really addressing the topic head on. She wasn't really one to beat around the bush, she never had been.

"I think maybe we should move in together" Hermione added then, surprising even herself with the suggestion. She couldn't deny having thought about it a few times before. She had detested any time spent away from the younger woman. Nights alone had been absolute torture, and at this point she really didn't feel like it was necessary. They wanted to be together, they worked well together, and regardless of time frames it was what felt good.

Storm to her credit didn't miss a beat, she didn't pause or think about what that might actually mean. It was as if she too had already come across this topic within the confines of her own mind and already knew the answer to the question. A wide smile pulled at her lips as she twisted to really take in the older woman, dark eyes meeting dark eyes.

"That sounds really good to me" She laughed then, shaking her head a little. Fingers moving to run through her hair in order to push it back and out of her face once again. "Did you want to move in here? Or did you want to find a place somewhere else? How did you want to do it, because I'm alright with anything as long as we have space" Storm clarified, giving the final decision to the older woman. Once again relinquishing control.

"I'd like to move in here, if that's alright?" Hermione spoke, an eyebrow raised in question. Though she didn't feel guilty at all. This was Storm's house, somewhere she had already settled in with her lad. It would be bizarre to suggest they uproot simply to accommodate Hermione. Not when they had already done just that.

"I think that'll be absolutely fine. When did you want to start? Will you be alright with being around Joseph? He's never been any trouble, except for the fact he eats like he's five times his size." Storm spoke again as if suddenly remembering it wasn't always just going to be just them.

"We can start tomorrow if you like, I don't see why we would wait now that we have decided." Hermione clarified, her words coaxing the Shifter's lips upwards. The bright smile that captured her features enough to light up her dark eyes. "He is part of you, and we'll learn how to be around each other. Have you written to him? Do you think it would be best if I came with you to his Hogsmede weekend? I don't want to just sort of… suddenly be here and throw him off"

She spoke as she was pulled into the Shifter's lap, moving to allow herself to be pulled by strong arms. Knee's finally settling either side of Storm's hips, pressed into the back of the sofa. Letting the younger woman envelope her entirely in a bracing hug as large hands settled at her hips. Full lips seeking out her own before she was given an answer.

Hermione wanted to do nothing more than return the kiss whole heartedly, so she did just that. Her own arm's draping over strong shoulders, fingers splaying out into dark hair and across warm skin under the Shifter's collar. A deep sigh escaping her lips as Storm finally pulled away to shift just a little bit underneath her before settling back into the back of the Sofa. Hermione's hands falling to her chest as she traced the faded pattern on the front of her sweatshirt.

"Are you really sure about all this Hermione? I mean, we can take our time. There really isn't any pressure at all to move at any speed other than the one you're comfortable with" Storm spoke, clarifying once again that there was really no pressure from her. Though that was something Hermione had known for a long time.

"I am more than sure" She spoke as a matter of factly, her voice strong as she fixed Storm with a confident stare. Her own lips turned up with her own warm smile. "I want to be with you, I want to be with you in every sense of the term" She stated with an elated laugh. Finally able to allow herself to be free enough to admit exactly what it was she wanted.

"If we start tonight, we can have you moved in by Christmas!" Storm stated, the excitement bulking out her tone. Christmas was only a few weeks away now, and Hermione couldn't find anything in her that wanted anything more in that moment. "I have to go soon though; Ginny and Ron are meeting me at the Cauldron early so we can tell him before word gets out to the public." Storm continued; a little bit more deflated than she had been.

Hermione knew why she felt it needed to come from her, and not from the brunette herself. Ron and Hermione had nothing to do with each other now, what Hermione was doing was none of his business. But Storm and Ron were friends, and she was engaging in a very serious relationship with his ex-wife, behind his back. She knew it was the proper thing to do, and was grateful she had found someone who cared enough to go about it the right way.

Her fingers moved to stroke down the sides of Storm's neck as a small frown pulled at her features. "Well maybe we can skip the Cauldron later, and just work on getting my things packed away and moved over? It wont take long if we use magic" Hermione spoke then in an attempt to cheer the younger woman up. The small sheepish smile that met her told her she had managed just that.

"Of course" Storm spoke quietly then before leaning in once again to capture the older woman's lips in a tender kiss. "This is madness" She laughed again as she pulled away to drop her head back to the back of the sofa. Dark eyes fixed on the ceiling as the sheepish smile remained on her lips.

Part of Hermione definitely agreed with her. But another, bigger part knew that this was exactly how it should be. That this had been the trajectory of their relationship from day one. The future suddenly seemed much brighter, and once these few final trials were out of the way it was all straight sailing from there.