Chapter 14
They used the week leading up to Joseph's Hogsmede weekend to really get used to being around each other. Though Hermione was still at work for the week, they settled in to a routine that worked well for them both. After a few days, it really felt as if nothing at all had changed. The decision to take the next step only feeding into the strength of their relationship.
Wednesday night had been the first opportunity they had had to see Harry and Ginny. The pair not quite able to wrap their heads around the impending third Potter. Harry looking as if he might burst with excitement every time it had been brought up.
Seeing them so happy, and so excited to welcome their new addition had sparked something Hermione hadn't realised she could feel. She had been around many of the Weasley children since marrying into the family, and had never really felt this… thing. Never quite being able to bring herself to be excited for the arrival, never feeling jealous or like that could be her and Ron.
Storm had pointed out as soon as they had gotten home that she had seemed quite quiet. She had questioned whether or not she was alright, and Hermione had just simply nodded and pressed a sweet kiss to the hinge of her jaw. It had been the truth, she was alright. She was just… well broody. Something she really wasn't quite used to.
Cho had written to let them know she would be meeting them at the Hogshead around midday that Saturday, something that seemed to relieve the Shifter. Hermione too had been grateful for the extra person to come, knowing less of the attention would be focused her way then. She would be allowed to just sit, and listen and get to know the situation that was so very foreign to her.
Though she couldn't really deny the excitement she felt. It would be a nice way to break the ice, and she knew Storm wouldn't let anything make her feel uncomfortable. She didn't really think she'd felt that emotion once since being with the younger woman.
With that thought, she found herself watching the Shifter getting ready for the day ahead. She had opted to shower after Hermione and was still standing half naked trying to figure out what was the least embarrassing thing to wear. Two different t-shirts wrapped firmly in a fist each as she examined them closely.
The brunette was already sat with a book laying forgotten in her lap, propped up against the headboard of their bed. Dark eyes watching as strong muscles along Storm's back flexed and shifted under her skin as she finally tugged on the same long-sleeved t-shirt she had worn the night they met again. Pale, smooth skin disappearing so disappointingly underneath the fabric once again.
"Do I look alright?" She questioned as she turned around to pull a hat on over her ears, her fringe poking out at the bottom in its usual scruffy manor. She wore a nervous smile as she tugged on a heavy jacket over her t-shirt. Dark blue jeans led to dark boots fit for the snow and Hermione didn't waste the opportunity to really appreciate how attractive Storm actually was. Her keen mind flitting to what part's of the Shifter their child would have when the time came.
"Absolutely lovely" She smiled widely then, her voice chipper as she pushed herself from the bed finally. Moving to smooth the palms of her hands down the front of strong shoulders, leaning up to press a lingering kiss to the younger woman's lips. The younger woman humming appreciatively as she too moved to stretch her hands across the older woman's waist, spreading out along her lower back as she held the shorter woman tightly to herself.
Hermione could tell Storm was nervous; Joey had been so excited to introduce all his friends to her. Something she had said was a first-time thing, she had met his friends from his muggle school but that had been so different. They were young and had no idea who she actually was. She had explained about wanting to fit the bill, and had grumbled about not wanting to let him down.
Hermione understood that feeling, she knew there was a whole different Storm people thought they knew. This Quidditch player who everyone knew as brash, loud and ruthless. Someone who could outfly anyone and be so sure of herself while doing it. That's what others saw, and that's what they expected her to be. But that was the Storm on the pitch, that was how she won her games. That was not the mother, the partner or the friend.
"Hello?" Came called up the stairs, Ginny's voice effectively breaking them out of their moment. "You guys better be fully dressed! I swear if you're naked I am leaving and going alone!" She called again after a second of quiet.
Storm pulled back to roll her eyes "I wouldn't get naked without you Red! You know that's not so much fun" She laughed, moving to let Hermione leave the room first. The brunette just shook her head at the response, but she wasn't really surprised by it. She had come to know just how vulgar they were around each other, frequently joking about topics that would have others blushing.
"Don't be disgusting Griffin, you haven't got a chance in hell!" Ginny quipped again as they made their way down the stairs. Her bright hazel eyes full of amusement as she regarded her best friend wryly. "Hello Hermione, how are you?" She questioned then turning her gaze towards the brunette then; her tone genuine as she enquired.
"Nervous!" Hermione answered truthfully. She had faced many things most people would cower at the thought of, but nothing seemed to be as absolutely terrifying as this in that moment. Meeting her partner's son to tell him they would now be living together whenever he was staying with Storm.
"It'll be alright, honestly. He's much better than Storm is, and if you can put up with her, you'll love him and he'll love you for loving his mother." Ginny reassured her quietly, reaching out to put a comforting hand on her shoulder as Storm pulled a few drawers open in the background.
"Has anyone seen my wallet?" She questioned absently then, pulling one of the drawers open for a second time to stare down into it as if her wallet would jump out.
"My point exactly" Ginny whispered as she watched her best friend, "I honestly don't think any of my brothers were this bad, and I got to choose this one" She quipped as she watched Hermione pull her wand from her pocket, flicking it to summon the Shifter's lost wallet.
Watching as it came soaring through the air from somewhere in the kitchen. "I'm going to put a shelf in, and bewitch it to collect your things from wherever you've decided to leave them." Hermione stated with a smirk, unable to keep the amusement from her tone. "You know, I found her reading glasses in with the drinking glasses the other day. I honestly have no idea what the thought process may have been" She whispered, her grin never faltering.
Ginny figured it was a good thing she was amused by the antics. She was the greatest witch of their age, and the redhead had no doubt there were big things ahead for her even still. There was a certain bewilderment there when she considered the pair of them together. But she supposed, opposites definitely do attract, and couldn't argue with the fact they seemed to bring out the best in each other.
"That would actually be really useful" Storm replied with a laugh, reaching out to take her wallet from the brunette. Leaning over to press a grateful kiss to her lips as she held it out to her.
"Honestly, Hermione are you sure you don't want to trade this one in for a better model?" Ginny laughed, making her way back through and into the kitchen before stepping out into the cool afternoon air outside.
"Is that so I'm available for you again Gin? Honestly, how many times do I have to tell you it's over. I'm sorry" Storm quipped, struggling to keep her features neutral. Her lips quirking up into a smirk as the redhead smacked her in the shoulder, sucking her teeth in distaste.
"Besides, I'll have you know I am the best model. What with the physique of a god and interchangeable genitals, what more could you want?" She joked, flexing the muscles in her stomach as she lifted her t-shirt up at the front to prove her point.
"Dear merlin, put yourself away woman! I don't need to see any sort of skin, and I swear if your hands go any lower, I will hex them off!" Ginny shrieked, her cheeks reddening as she made to grab for her wand. "I have seen that thing far too many times and I only asked to look once! I have also seen everything else far too many times to count and I never wanted to see those!" She scolded Storm who did nothing but continue to laugh.
"It's not my fault you have awful timing, or don't know where to put your knees! I feel quite sorry for Harry actually. It's a miracle his bits still work!" Storm muttered defensively, "Besides, who else is going to look when they get crushed? Well Hermione can look now. But still! What if it was going to fall off? It felt like it might have!" Storm stated, her bottom lip poking out into a pout that was nothing short of petulant.
"That was an accident! And it only happened three times!" Ginny responded, folding her arms over her chest sternly.
"I don't know how you two get any work done, it's like it's impossible for you to be serious for five seconds! Worse than Ron and Harry" Hermione piped up finally, interrupting their bickering. Teasing them both as she held her elbows out to the both of them. Deciding she would be the one to apparate them all to where it was they needed to be.
"I detest that Hermione. We are much better company, when Storm can leave her genitals out of the equation that is." Ginny spoke seriously, watching as Storm pulled a hand to her chest to feign hurt.
"I, for one happen to like Storm's genitals. Now let's go or we'll be late" She scolded playfully, leaning into Storm a little as the younger woman wrapped her fingers around her elbow, laughing beside her. Noting the stuck-out tongue in the redhead's direction and the finger flipped back when they thought she wasn't looking.
"Cruel, that's just cruel" Ginny spoke sarcastically as she too wrapped her fingers around Hermione's elbow. The conversation quickly cut off by the feeling of being pushed and pulled and turned inside out until finally they were all landing in deep snow.
The noise of schoolkids surrounding them as the Hogshead appeared directly in front of where they had landed. The pop of their apparation grabbing the attention of those directly in their vicinity. Something Hermione quickly realised was not the best thing in the world, though not for the reason she had expected.
A shriek of excitement caught their attention as they dusted themselves off, shaking away the feeling of the apparation. "It's Griffin and Weasley!" Followed the shriek, belted loudly above the noise that had died down to a quiet whisper. "What are they doing here?"
"Bloody hell" Storm seemed to grumble as she straightened up her shoulders, her dark eyes flicking to Ginny and Hermione in turn. It seemed Hermione had missed something, and she watched on with thinly veiled curiosity.
"Joey!" Storm called then and Hermione noticed for the first time the boy she had met once before trudging his way through the deep snow towards them. His lips pulled up in a very familiar way as he waved excitedly. Storm moved away then in order to greet the lad who looked exactly like her in so many ways, reaching her hand out to pat his arm in lieu of hello.
"You came!" He called, his tone bubbling with excitement. Hermione was shocked to find he wasn't speaking to Ginny or Storm; he was in fact addressing her. His eyes, a few shades darker than Storm's, were fixed on her as his grin grew wider. It had changed completely into what could only be described as a warm smile.
"Of course." Hermione smiled back, unable to stop herself. The nerves she had felt leading up to this moment melting away entirely. She was grateful when Storm's hand slipped into her own, and the shifter pulled her close. Ginny's presence also soothing on her other side. "It's nice to see you again" She spoke a little formally, unsure of exactly what to say.
"Mom said you two are together now?" He questioned, broaching the topic straight away as he offered her a hand to shake politely.
"What, you don't believe me?" Storm interrupted, her voice light as she teased the lad who eyed her suspiciously.
He seemed to weigh up his options for a moment, flicking his dark gaze to each of the three women in turn. His grin turning cheeky as he settled on Ginny for a moment, the redhead grinning smugly herself. "No, I want to hear it from Hermione" He laughed then, hand still outstretched as his dark eyes finally met hers once again. There was a certain mischievousness to them, something that made Hermione want to laugh herself. Clearly, he knew just how to tease his mother, and was no stranger to it.
"I know it's incredibly hard to believe" Hermione laughed lightly as she responded, her own lips tugged up into a bright smile as she reached out to take his hand. "But it seems your Mom is right" She stated easily, listening as Storm grumbled beside her, squeezing the hand that was still firmly held within her own gently.
"Well, shall we go and get a drink?" Ginny interrupted then, noting how the group of school kids had gotten quite a bit closer and were now whispering about the three of them.
"I could definitely use a drink" Hermione answered, "Are you two going to head to Honeydukes first? I'm sure Ginny and I can go and get the drinks and find somewhere to sit?" The brunette offered, knowing how excited Storm had been to raid the sweets shop.
"Oh yeah!" Joe answered before Storm could. The Shifter just nodded, unable to really argue with the idea. She stayed quiet as she lent over to press a chaste kiss to Hermione's lips, offering a smirk as she muttered about seeing her in a few minutes.
With that they were wandering off through the streets of Hogsmede, a barely audible "Can you show me how you extended your robe pockets?" from the youngest of the two echoing back to Hermione and Ginny as they disappeared around a corner.
"I'll even show you how to enchant them to stay cool so your jelly slugs don't melt" Storm laughed in response, dark eyes taking in the familiar scenery of the snowy streets around them. The nostalgia hitting her full force as her mind turned once again to Hermione.
"So, what do you think then?" She questioned, knowing her son would tell her honestly so long as it was just the two of them. She watched as he looked up at her, moving to sort his own hat out and rearrange dark locks that had escaped the brim.
"I think she's really nice Mom. I'm happy" He added, and Storm figured that was probably the most depth she was going to get out of him. Though, she knew he would definitely have made it known if he was upset.
"She's moved in with me, is that alright?" She questioned again as she pushed the door to Honeydukes open, holding it for the lad to move into the space occupied by a few students. Dark eyes already scanning the shelves for things she might want to get, ignoring the stares of shock she was receiving from the people who actually knew who she was. Her stomach grumbling as if it was aware of all the possibilities that surrounded them.
"That's pretty cool. Can she cook? Or am I stuck with your cooking forever?" He questioned seriously, as if that was the only thing that actually counted for something.
"Not at all, you're definitely stuck with mine" Storm laughed, shaking her head as she watched the boy's smile grow. He was kind, and she really wasn't worried about what would happen after that. All of it was out of the bag now at least to the people who mattered.
They took their time in the sweet store, picking out everything they might possibly want. Storm pointing out things to her son that she had enjoyed as a teenager in school. Once they'd finished, she shrunk their bags each enough to fit in their coat pockets respectively. "Don't tell your mother you got so much" She quipped as she pushed open the door to the tavern.
The dingy space full to the rafters of students, though they quickly found the others. Hermione sat facing her with Cho sat the opposite side. The brunette smiling brightly at her as she pointed towards the redhead surrounded by a group of boys. Joe looking a little sheepish as he grabbed onto her sleeve to pull her towards all the commotion.
"Bloody hell, Chang wasn't lying!" Was the shout that met Storm's ears, a boy a little older than her son staring at them quite shocked. Her own dark eyes flicking down to her son as he grinned triumphantly.
"I told you!" He yelled back at the older boy, his shoulder's squaring proudly as he looked back at his mother. "I told them you wouldn't mind signing some stuff" He clarified, his sheepish grin returning as his cheeks tinged with a pink stain.
"Who am I to disappoint" She laughed, shaking her head in disbelief as she made eye contact with her best friend already signing away, smirking at her over the students surrounding them. Taking the pen Joe had produced from one of his pockets, already prepared for her.
"Go get my butterbeer please mate?" She questioned as she got stuck in, smiling happily at anyone who brought her things to sign, chatting with Ginny and some of the older students who were asking them questions and commenting on some of their games.
She watched a little distractedly as he wandered off, his grin never fading. Flopping non too gently into the seat beside Cho who was watching what was going on, dwarfing her now as he wrapped his arms around her briefly. His dark eyes quite visibly focussed on Hermione as the three of them began chatting away.
Ginny caught her eye, her own smile bright as she seemed to notice what she had been looking at. "He likes her" She spoke, no context needed for her words. She seemed to be just as relieved as Storm was, truly pleased with the outcome. "She likes him too. I've never seen her like this" She added quietly, the words only for Storm's ears.
"She seems happy" Storm spoke, truly hoping that was the case. Grateful for the students surrounding them having dwindled to only a few, quite happily sipping their own butterbeers and chatting away about whatever it was they had to deal with these days.
"She is" Ginny reassured her, her voice firm. "I don't think he's bringing your butterbeer back" she added with a laugh then as she pushed herself up and made to move towards the little group still chatting away. Joe clearly having been distracted from the task at hand.
"You just can't get them to do the really important things" Storm joked, following close behind her best friend. Ensuring nobody bumped her funny in the small space. Finally flopping down next to Hermione, just as Joe had next to Cho. Ginny already occupying a seat at the end of the table.
As soon as she had sat, Hermione's hand had found her thigh under the table. Her bright smile catching Storm off guard and hitting her solidly in the chest as her heart squeezed tightly. She couldn't quite put her finger on all the emotions readily flowing through her.
"Sorry, apparently Joe here offered up our signatures to all of Hogwarts" She teased quietly, watching as her son sipped on his own butterbeer.
"I told you people didn't believe you were my mom! Then they heard aunty Ginny was coming too and everyone wanted to come see you" He explained like it was no big deal at all. "I'm just glad they'll stop teasing me" He added with a whistful sigh.
"See, they all came to see me" Ginny added cockily, nudging Storm's arm with intent as she tried to sip her drink. The froth ending up down Storm's front as she pulled back and wiped the back of her hand across her face.
"Watch it!" Storm muttered as she moved to pull her wand out to tidy herself up again. Dark eyes flicking to her best friend who was still sniggering away before flicking over to Joe who too had joined in.
"We just can't take you anywhere, can we?" Hermione added, shaking her head as seriously as she could muster. Moving to pull her own wand out to dry the younger woman's t-shirt at the front.
"Never could, this is definitely an improvement" Cho added, finally. Her own dark eyes creased with smile lines the corners as she grinned brightly. It was a big change from how forlorn she had been the other night, and it was nice to see.
"Well, I'll just go home then, shall I?" Storm muttered grumpily, her nose wrinkling up for just a moment as she tried to take another sip of her drink only to have Ginny nudge her again. "Oi! I swear Red, if you weren't good and preggers we'd be having problems" She laughed then, unable to contain herself.
"You're pregnant?" Joe's voice interrupted then; dark eyes wide as his stare seemed to linger on the redhead's not yet existent belly.
"I am" Ginny quipped easily, "We're not too far gone, there's still quite a while to go yet before anything fun really starts happening" She added, reaching out to ruffle his messy hair.
Hermione noted then the similarities between the boy and his other mother sat beside him. Their eyes were the same shade and his hair was as straight as hers was. Though it was much similar to Storm's colour. His smile and mannerisms mimicked her own Shifter pretty much exactly though they were muted and he was much quieter. She had noticed he seemed to think before he spoke unlike Storm.
His actual features were much more delicate like Cho's own. It seemed he was a pretty perfect split between the two of them, and the thought had Hermione's mind twisting back to what their own child might look like. The flare of want rearing in the pit of her stomach as her dark eyes landed on her Shifter sat beside her.
"Will you have babies? It would be pretty cool to have siblings" He added nonchalantly, but the way he watched them so intensely told a different story. It was almost as if he had been waiting for this part for Storm.
Storm choked then, inhaling her butterbeer quickly before pulling her tankard away to splutter uncomfortably. Her dark eyes flicking to meet Hermione's own as if she truly didn't know what to say in response.
"I think we will, I'd like that" Hermione answered for them. They had discussed it and she knew Storm was just waiting for her go ahead. The Shifter having given her the control over the when after they had decided the if. She figured Storm just hadn't expected such a bold question from the boy now watching his mother with thinly veiled intrigue.
"Me too." The Shifter answered honestly, quietly as if she was only addressing the brunette in this situation. Their eyes met, and Storm's gaze softened exponentially. Her dark irises entirely blown in the dim light of the tavern. "That would be very cool" She added as she switched her attention back to Joe.
"I never thought I'd see you so smitten" Cho added then, her words directed towards Storm. Though her own dark eyes were watching them both in a very similar way to Joe. "It's nice to see you both so content. You can tell you're good for each other" She added, moving to run her hand down the boy's back.
"I don't think I could be happier. I've never been this relaxed, I'm sure of it." Hermione added quite simply, the hand on her Shifter's thigh squeezing gently as Storm turned her attention back towards her. A wide smile splitting her face impossibly as she leant over to press a tender kiss to the brunette's cheek.
"Soppy git" She teased playfully, "Me too though. It feels good though" She added almost bashfully, moving a little to sit a bit closer to the brunette still holding onto her thigh under the table.
"You are sickening" Ginny quipped then, breaking the atmosphere as she pulled her pumpkin juice towards smirking lips. Light eyes meeting Joe's in the dim light of the tavern to wink at him. His own smirk similar.
The afternoon passed in much the same way, light hearted conversation flowed amongst the small group. Hermione and Cho had been regaled with tales of the classes Joe was taking and his expectations for the rest of the year. It seemed that had been a particular topic the three of them could talk about for hours on end.
Before Storm knew it, they had bid farewell to Ginny and Cho in tandem with Joe the last to leave and wander back towards Hogwarts. Meeting with a group of friends at the gates, much to Storm's pleasure. She seemed quite sad as she returned his wave, and a deep sigh escaped her chest as she turned to pull the brunette firmly into her front.
"Well, that was great but it just reminds me how awful it is not seeing him all the time" She muttered, pressing a kiss to the older woman's hair.
"He'll be back for New year in two weeks, it'll go quickly" She tried to reassure the younger woman. Her tone gentle as she slipped icy hands under the back of the Shifter's jacket. Warming her fingers against heated skin.
"I know what would make me feel better!" Storm quipped, the tone of her voice letting Hermione know she probably wouldn't be agreeing to what was suggested but her curiosity got the better of her.
"What's that?" She quizzed as she pulled away from the warm embrace just enough to meet the Shifter's eyes. An eyebrow raised as she took in the way the younger woman grinned, the tip of a pink tongue flicking out to run across her bottom lip.
"We could go find the Shrieking Shack and really give it a reason to be called Shrieking" She laughed then, her eyes bright as she joked.
Hermione just rolled her eyes, moving to pull away and swat at her arm playfully. "I don't think that would be appropriate, besides it's absolutely freezing Storm!" She almost laughed, almost. She steeled her resolve, watching the Shifter out of the corner of her eye as she smirked to herself.
"That would definitely keep us warm!" Storm laughed again unable to control the fit of giggles that had taken her.
"That's not the most romantic place in the world, is it really?" Hermione scolded, "Besides, if we got caught that would definitely not be the best for my career." She quipped, allowing herself to be pulled back into the younger woman by strong arms.
"So, you did consider it then!" Storm stated through her giggles, leaning in to press a few kisses to her cheek gently.
"Oh, shut up!" Hermione laughed finally as she pulled herself away to scoop up a handful of snow to launch at the taller woman still giggling away as if it was the most hilarious situation she'd ever been in.
Storm dodged the powdery assault easily, "You are a child Hermione" She spoke as her laughs subsided, her face growing serious for a moment. Though it didn't last and before she knew it Storm's lips were cracking up into a wide grin once again.
"You're impossible" She whispered sweetly as she was pulled towards the younger woman once again, pink lips tinged with purple as the cold seeped through her jacket. The sun had long since been swallowed by the horizon leaving an icy chill in its wake.
"I'm right here" Storm whispered back, the moment growing tender with each passing second. Hermione held tightly to the warmth the Shifter's body provided. Leaning up to drag the tip of her frozen nose across Storm's own with a sigh.
"Shall we go home?" She questioned, her voice never growing any louder. There was no reason for it to, her words were meant for Storm's ears and Storm's ears alone.
"I would honestly love nothing more" Storm answered honestly, moving to press a soft kiss to Hermione's cold lips. With a soft pop they were gone, disapparating away from the little village they had once frequented so often.