"Once we've buried Ron, I would very much like to give us a chance, if you're willing?" She whispers. My heart spasms in my chest, my hands begin to shake, so I tighten my grip momentarily and then I'm pulling her towards me. I have to seal her words with a kiss. I keep it light, until I feel her tongue brush across my lips. Then my carnal need for her takes over, and I can't help it. I want her so much. When I hear her hum I pull back, and place my forehead on hers
"Willing?" I ask breathless "I thought you'd never ask" and I laugh, I feel so giddy. "We'll take things slowly, we have all the time in the world after all" and I bring her towards me once more. I pour every emotion I'm feeling into the kiss, desire, love, frustration. My hands have started to roam, I'm inching her top up, caressing the skin of her belly when she pulls back from my touch. I pull my hands back, and stop kissing her, so I can look in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, nobody's seen me naked apart from Ron, and I've had children. There are stretch marks everywhere I'm not pretty Min" she casts her eyes downward and begins to wring her hands in her lap. I grab her chin and force her to look into my eyes
"Do you think what your body looks like bothers me, love?" I ask. "My body doesn't look as it did, my breasts droop, my belly isn't toned and flat any more, my hair is all grey and brittle, I have scars from multiple battles, it's a part of life. Your stretch marks are a badge of honour to me, they show me your body managed to nurture two beautiful amazing children, they are nothing to be ashamed of" I reassure. "I don't want to do anything you are uncomfortable with, we can, what is it the kids call it? 'Make out' for a while if you want. We can go to bed, separately or together, whatever you need, you are so beautiful Hermione inside and out. I'll tell you every day until you believe it" that gets a smile to grace her lovely face. I stroke my hand over her cheek but I can still see the reticence in her eyes. "No pressure, at all love" I murmur and peck her lips.
I rise from the couch to grab another firewhiskey, it's in the glass barely a second before I'm knocking it back. I feel her presence behind me just before her arms slip around my waist. "I'm sorry Min, I meant what I said, I just think we should wait until Rons at least buried before we do more than 'making out' as you put it" she sighs as she lays her head on my back. I take a moment more to try and bring my arousal under control
"You're right, I'm the one who's sorry" I say, turning in her arms. "I got carried away. I can't promise it won't happen again, as you've seen my control is none existent when it comes to you, but I shall try to refrain from jumping you" I smirk. I kiss her one last time, and then grab her hand and lead her up the stairs. I stop on the first floor landing, giving her the choice, but she takes the lead and hauls me up to the second floor and to my room.
I retake the lead once we get to the top and lead her to the door on the left. I open the door, and step back. I've always loved this room, the view over the loch through the floor length window really is something to behold, and I want to see Hermione's reaction as she enters. I watch as her eyes sweep first over my king sized bed, her eyes stay here for a while and then her eyes track to the windows and I hear an intake of breath "Oh Min" she breathes as she steps forward and closer to the window "it's spectacular, you can see so much farther than the rooms downstairs" she gazes out of the window, following the coast of the loch.
"You know" I interrupt her musing "the view is just as good from the bed". I walk out of the room and into the en-suite chuckling at my joke. I take a quick shower and get into a set of nightclothes. As I emerge from the en-suite Hermione's blush is just beginning to fade from her cheeks, and there's a faint smile on her lips. "It's good to see you smiling again, love" I say as I slip under the comforter. "There are some fresh towels in the bathroom if you would like to avail yourself of the facilities. Help yourself to anything you need" she nods and leaves the room. I lie back and get comfortable and contemplate what my future is going to be now that I know Hermione wants to give this a go. Then I remember we don't have any food. "Rhona," I called out. She pops into the room "yes mistress?"
"Would you be a dear and get some food in, please? I'm thinking breakfast items, something for a picnic for tomorrow, the usual but double what I normally get. We will have guests for the foreseeable" I inform her. She bows to me and pops out of the room. I can hear the shower getting turned off in my en-suite. Hermione should be joining me shortly. Just the thought sends a shot of desire through me. It's been so long since I've been intimate with someone. I thought this part of my life was long over. I let the anticipation skitter across my skin, I watch as goosebumps rise along my arms. I need to try and reign my arousal and need in, otherwise I shall surely self combust from all the tension. I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of Hermione in the en-suite. She's humming as she brushes her teeth, I then hear the drying charm whispered and then the door is being opened. I keep my eyes closed and I hear her approach the bed. I feel the mattress dip and then her lips are on mine. Her tongue reaches out to caress my lip again, and I open my mouth to welcome her. Our tongues dance across one another, stroking and suckling. I carefully put my hands on her lower back, and hold her close to me. This time I'm the one to moan, I have to stop this before I can't stop this. I pull back and place my head back on the headboard. "Oh love, if we keep on like this I won't be able to resist" I sigh
"I was just giving you a kiss goodnight" she says innocently, batting her eyes at me. The cheeky minx, "I swear to Merlin, Hermione, you are going to be the death of me" I realise what I've said, after I've said it, and immediately I grab her and pull her to me "I'm sorry, that was a stupid thing to say, I just mean, I want you, and you are seriously testing my will power. I honestly don't know how long I can wait" I kiss her cheeks, her eyes, which closed after my comment, then I kiss her lips chastely. "But wait I will, the next few weeks are going to be torture, the sweetest kind but still" I sigh.
"I feel it too Min, every time we're in a room alone together I just want to touch you, be with you. Maybe I should go back downstairs? It might make things a little easier"
"Absolutely not" I object immediately. "We're adults Hermione, we can cope with a little anticipation and arousal. Besides we both know you'd end up back in here before the suns up to announce another day. Let's just cuddle for a bit and sleep" I scoot down in the bed a little and open my arms in invitation. She hesitates for a moment and then settles in next to me. We fit together so well. I savour the feeling of her in my arms, "sleep love" I murmur into her ear. I close my eyes too and I'm asleep within moments.
I wake the next morning, Hermione is still asleep in my arms, her breaths are even and blowing across my nipples, even as I watch I see them peek under my night clothes. I groan in frustration, and back out of the bed slowly. I head into the en-suite for a cold shower. Urgh, dear Merlin, even asleep I want her. As the cold spray hits my body my mind clears and it allows me to plan for the day ahead. We'll start with a hearty breakfast, and then I'll propose a walk around the grounds, along with a picnic by the loch. Then in the early evening we can retire to the library or music room. I'm not sure if the children are musically inclined but I can teach them how to play the piano. I'll have Rhona prepare something for the children, then get them settled in their rooms and have a nice romantic meal with Hermione, under the stars on the decking. A nice relaxing day before the funeral tomorrow. When I'm happy with the plans, I shut the shower off and get ready to start the day. Hermione is still asleep as I reenter the bedroom. I go and sit on the edge of the bed and move a lock of hair from across her face. I lean down to give her a morning kiss, just barely a brush of my lips across hers. She doesn't stir so I rise and make my way down to the kitchen.
The fridge and cupboards are filled with an assortment of food. Rhona did a great job. I pop some bread in the toaster and pour some orange juice into a jug and place it on the table. Next I grab the milk and pop that on the table too along with the cereal boxes. I hear movement upstairs, and anticipate the arrival of the children. I'm not disappointed both Rose and Hugo enter, and sit down at the table immediately.
Hugo pours himself a bowl of cereal and adds a splash of milk and then begins to eat. Rose just sits there, her head resting on her hand.
"Morning" I say to both "sleep okay, we're your rooms comfortable?"
I get a vigorous nod from Hugo as he's still shovelling the cereal into his mouth. Honestly anybody would think the boy isn't fed.
"I slept well, thank you Minerva." Rose replies.
"Would you like anything in particular for breakfast" I ask as I place the toast on the table along with some jam.
"Scrambled eggs and hash browns, please. If you have it"
"Right away Miss Weasley" I say and turn back to the oven. I prepare the food Rose asked for and place it on a plate in front of her.
I settle at the table with my cup of coffee and watch the kids for a while, and then I ask
"So how would you feel about a walk around the grounds today, and a picnic next to the loch?." I get eager nods from both "well okay then".
"Rhona" I call. As she pops into the room, the children giggle "Rose, Hugo this is Rhona my house elf. Rhona, Rose and Hugo Weasley, and their mother Hermione" I introduce as she enters the kitchen. Hermione waves and makes a beeline for the coffee. "Rhona, would you be so kind as to put together a picnic for us this afternoon?"
"Of course, Mistress. Whatever yous be needing. Master Hugo, Miss Rose and Ms Hermione" she says as she bows and pops back out of the room. The kids are grinning from ear to ear
"Master Hugo, why did she call me that?" Hugo asks, looking at me questioningly.
"Well Hugo, before a male child turns 10 he is considered a Master, Rhona was taught by her parents that manners and respect of humans is very important" I can feel Hermione's eyes burning through the back of my head, so I add for her benefit "Rhona is paid a small sum every month, she serves me willingly, unlike most other elves" Hugo nods his head and starts in on the toast and jam.
As Hermione walks behind me she trails her fingers across my shoulders, I shiver at the touch and look up at her. She smirks at me and then brings the mug of coffee to her lips. "I should have known you wouldn't have an elf in servitude" she murmurs and then takes a sip of her drink. She butters some toast and takes a bite. There is a crumb on her lip, so I reach over and swipe it off with my thumb. Her eyes are burning into mine, the fire burning slowly, smouldering between us.
Rose clears her throat. "Thank you for breakfast Min. May I be excused Mom" I'm surprised by the manners on display, maybe she's uncomfortable here? Or maybe this is how Hermione has raised them?
Hermione raises an eyebrow, "have you had enough to eat sweetheart?"
"Yes, Minerva gave me some scrambled eggs and hash browns. I'd like to go for a shower and get changed now ready for our walk" she insists.
"Okay then, you may leave" Hermione states. "Before you go though, where's my morning hug" Rose smiles at her mother and dutifully walks around the table to give her a hug and a kiss. She then leaves the room. Hugo also rises from his seat and gives Hermione a hug and a kiss and then leaves.
I frown, "Is Rose alright?" I ask. "She seems uncomfortable, is it my manor? Me?"
"Honestly? I'm not sure. She doesn't normally ask to leave the table. Maybe with Rhona and you being so formal, she felt she needed to be too? I'll have a word with her on our walk, anything that's worrying her I'm sure I'll be able to get to the bottom of it, try not to worry" she says as she reaches over to take my hand. We gaze at each other for a while. The electricity between us is starting to fizzle.
"Right well" I clear my throat "shall we go and get ready so we can go on this walk"
"But you haven't given me my morning kiss either Min" she teases.
I stalk over to her, and lean down and whisper "I don't think that would be a good idea, with the thoughts that are running through my head right now, we may never leave this room, clothed" I finish and peck her lips. I stand back up and walk out of the kitchen with a big smile on my face. She wants to play this game does she? we'll see about that.