A/N: Ok, this is a little late. You look at one TikTok and five hours later you realise you've not eaten, had a cuppa or posted your chapter! I'm so sorry lol

Lib McGranger is feeling a bit under the weather so give her some love and thanks for this fic!

-0-

The warmth of Minerva's body on her back woke Hermione with a smile. She had clearly been more exhausted than she thought as neither of them had thought to draw the curtains and the light that streamed in was enough to make her wince.

Minerva, as it turned out, did not snore so much as purr, and Hermione bit her lip to stop herself from chuckling as Minerva nuzzled her neck and mewled happily. Evidently, there was some truth in the theory of a little bleeding between Animagus and Human.

Minerva's arm was under the pillow beneath her head and the other wrapped possessively over Hermione's stomach. She closed her eyes as the butterflies fluttered beneath it. They weren't ready for more than gentle touches, just yet, but Hermione couldn't wait until they were. The feeling of Minerva's hands on her skin was almost overwhelming.

"You think so loudly," Minerva grumbled, her voice gravelly from sleep.

"You purr in your sleep," Hermione whispered.

"You're a liar," Minerva muttered, her teeth nipping at the back of Hermione's neck.

"Oi," she chuckled, twitching at the sudden sharpness. "Maybe I should lie more often?"

Minerva chuffed and pulled her closer, nuzzling under her hair with a sigh.

"That was the best sleep I have had in many months," Minerva sighed, suddenly yawning.

"Me too."

"No more nightmares?"

"Not once your arms were around me."

Minerva let go and Hermione rolled a little to watch her whole body stretch. She heard a few pops and clicks and chuckled when Minerva moaned.

"We shall hope that that is what is needed to keep them at bay then."

"Do you still get nightmares?" she asked cautiously.

"Often," Minerva shrugged. "But I also did not suffer from them last night." Hermione grinned. "Now," Minerva nodded. "Tea or coffee in the mornings for my love?"

"I do like it when you call me that," Hermione smiled.

"I love watching the smile appear after I do so."

"We're so soppy," Hermione chuckled.

"In love." Minerva corrected.

"Both," Hermione grinned. "But yes," she whispered. "Very much so."

"I am not one to laze in bed in any case. Would you join me? Or shall I bring it to you?"

"I'll join you for coffee, I think," Hermione nodded, standing and immediately hopping back into bed. "Minerva! The floor is icy."

"Oh," she chuckled as she glanced out of the window. "It snowed! Significantly. You'd best put your slippers on," she chuckled, doing just that.

"I don't know that I have slippers anymore," Hermione mused. "I guess I'll," Minerva watched expectantly as she summoned a pair of socks and pulled them on before sitting back on the bed and looking intently on at her feet. She waved her hand, feeling the same magic in her fingers as she had in her wand and her socks turned into the softest slippers she'd ever had.

"Perfect," Minerva smiled proudly. "Now, I will get a head start and start the fires. You meet me in the kitchen."

Minerva strode out of the room, summoning her gown as she did and Hermione turned to find her robe in the chest of drawers where her things had been lovingly placed the night before.

"I almost forgot," Minerva said, striding back into the room. Hermione opened her mouth to ask what she had forgotten, but she was swept up into a kiss that tasted of new beginnings. "I won't forget again," Minerva smiled, as she pulled away.

"Is it bad form to swoon?"

Minerva's laugh echoed in the hallway as she went downstairs.

-0-

And so, the hours passed. Hermione realised, quite by accident when they were curled up together on the sofa in the library much later, that there was no way she could have imagined this moment. She chastised herself for making up such scenes and scenarios that could never exist because, in order for them to exist, she had to have Minerva's input as well. It was a pleasant notion, therefore, to now be able to experience the true version of their love. With both parties making every second a beautiful experience.

"You do sigh so, love," Minerva chuckled, kissing her shoulder.

They were sitting perpendicular to each other; Minerva's feet propped up on the coffee table in front of them and Hermione laying with her head on Minerva's thigh. It was heaven.

"I was just considering the implications of imagination. And how nothing one can ever imagine can ever be as good as the real thing. Or as bad, I suppose," she muttered.

"Brought on by -"

"Back in the beginning, when I first realised my feelings for you, Ginny correctly guessed them without much evidence and I, naturally, panicked. While she was talking me off the ledge, she asked me to think about what it would be like," Hermione reached up and traced Minerva's jawline. "To just be with you. To read together, work together, cook, laugh," she shrugged. "Whatever, together. I refused to consider it at the time, but I did later when I was alone." She blushed at Minerva's look. "Not like that," she laughed.

"And you are considering one-sided imaginings because this is not as good as you imagined?" Minerva asked carefully. Hermione laughed again.

"No, silly," she brought Minerva's hand from her stomach to her mouth and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "It's better. I couldn't have imagined this, because at the time I didn't know you properly. I just knew that after those moments I'd had and after realising my feelings, I just," she sighed. "I wanted something with you."

She looked up to see the surprise on Minerva's face.

"When?" she asked.

"Grimmauld Place, in the garden."

Minerva's mouth fell open as she arched her neck to look at Hermione.

"Really?"

Hermione blushed.

"No, I didn't mean it like that," Minerva chuckled. "I was," she shook her head. "I was having a terrible day. I have always been afraid that I was such terrible company that afternoon. I," Minerva blushed this time. "That may have been why I agreed to the Quidditch game. I didn't really know what was happening but I wanted you to see I was more than," she sighed. "Professor McGonagall. That I was more than that day."

"I knew," Hermione shook her head. "You didn't need to go and get yourself brained for that."

"Bless Ronald and his poor temper."

"He's come a long way," Hermione smiled, thinking of her friend. "He's already decided we're going to be godparents to all of his future children," she smiled. Minerva's face softened.

"I can't wait."

"Do -" Hermione bit her lip, trying to decide whether she should ask such a question so early.

"Children?" Minerva asked. Hermione nodded. "I do like the idea but have always thought I was too old. It never occurred to me that the love of my life might well be young enough."

Hermione laughed and played with Minerva's fingers bashfully.

"So now?"

"I honestly do not know. You?"

"Not soon," Hermione shrugged. "Not so soon after all this. And I think I would like to keep you to myself for a while before we decide? I am, obviously, more than okay with sharing you with Hogwarts, but I would like some moments to be just us, for a while. And," she chuckled. "I am more than young enough to do that and have children later."

"You are so very sensible, my love," Minerva whispered. She ran her nails over Hermione scalp. "I think that is a good plan."

Hermione sighed and picked her book up and started reading again as Minerva did the same. There was one thing that her imagination had got right.

This, being with Minerva, was perfect.

-0-

Hermione was fully entranced in her book when her cushion moved. She smiled as she felt Minerva sigh and a page turned forcefully above her head.

"Would you like to move?" she asked with a barely concealed grin.

"I'm sorry," Minerva huffed. "I am restless."

"Don't be sorry," Hermione said, stretching across Minerva's lap. "You've been fighting and working every day for the last seven years almost. It stands to reason that you won't be able to sit around as much anymore."

"So have you," Minerva said a little petulantly.

Hermione sat up and leant into Minerva's side. It wasn't cold but the snow outside was a good excuse to snuggle.

"Well, most of last year was me sitting in a tent waiting for something to happen. So I have that going for me."

Minerva opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again, smiling gently as their eyes met.

"I am so glad you are alright."

"Me too," Hermione sighed. "About you, not me. Although I am, glad I mean, that I am -"

Minerva kissed her and she laughed, yanking her head away.

"Did you just shush me?" Hermione grinned.

"You do babble so," Minerva smiled. "I also realised it has been hours since I last kissed you. I felt that situation needed to be rectified."

Hermione laughed and shifted so she could kiss Minerva back. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered happily and she sighed as it ended naturally.

"The memory of sitting with you, on that window seat when you were upset?" Minerva said quietly. "Got me through some of the darkest times, last year."

"Me too."

"I -" Minerva sighed. "Have never been so afraid."

"We made it though."

"We did," Minerva sighed. She slid her hand into Hermione's hair and then drew it back out again. "I -"

"What is it?" Hermione asked. "You aren't usually this cautious?"

"You told me when you had feelings for me. I am afraid of telling you when I first noticed you, as a woman, and not my student."

"You don't have to be afraid. That is for us and not anyone else," Hermione said gently. "I think we've established that in some form or other perhaps we were meant to be together?"

"Of that I am certain."

"When was it?"

"I thought you looked utterly beguiling at the Yule Ball. And it annoyed me that your friends treated you badly and that Victor Krum had his hands on you. I did not realise it at the time. I was so busy making sure Fr -" she swallowed. "The Twins hadn't spiked the punch but afterwards, when I was alone, I realised that I had noticed you at every moment."

"Why would that make you afraid?" Hermione asked gently.

"Because you were 15!"

"You never once, not even when I was of age, indicated anything to me about how you felt. Until you knew that I was not really your student any longer." She smoothed Minerva's hair. "Noticing that someone looks pretty, does not equal intention, Min."

"True," Minerva mused. "When Albus -" she croaked, her voice cracking under the pain. "When you came to me. I knew then. Properly. The horror I felt at nearly hexing you was -"

"I know," Hermione whispered.

"You stopped me."

"I did."

"From saying something, not from hurting you.'

"Both," Hermione conceded. "It wasn't our time. Not then. I," she winced. "Made the choice for both of us."

Minerva looked at her, with fire in her eyes. There was a frown embedding itself into her forehead and then, just as quickly, Minerva closed her eyes.

"I apologise."

"Why," Hermione asked, moving to trace Minerva's features. "I apologise."

"Don't," Minerva waved her off. "I am spoiling for a fight. And I do not wish to sully our beginnings with grumblings of an old woman. No matter how I feel about it, you were correct to stop me. And it will, perhaps, always make me uneasy how early I noticed your beauty." Hermione shrugged and kissed her instead. "Why did you follow me?" Minerva asked suddenly. "Most people, even my friends, would not have. Not after such a blow."

"Ah," Hermione chuckled. "I thought it odd at the time, but," she smiled, remembering. "Madam Pomfrey," she winced. "Poppy sent me. Didn't say anything, but she encouraged me to go."

"She is my best friend," Minerva whispered, before meeting Hermione's eyes. "After you."

"She's your sister," Hermione shrugged. "Now I've known Ginny for so long, I understand."

Minerva laughed and Hermione felt some of the tension leaving her.

"You are right in that I did not really comprehend my feelings for you until much later," Minerva mused, returning to the subject. "Perhaps I did know, at the party I mean." She blushed. "By the time I hurt my leg, I was sure that I needed to be close to you, even if I did not know why."

"The truth is, Min," she offered, waiting for Minerva to look at her. "It doesn't really matter when we realised. Only what we do with it now."

"You are so very wise, my love," Minerva breathed. "Thank you."

"Why don't you take me for a walk? I will gladly brave the snow for you."

"Are you sure?"

Hermione kissed her, in lieu of reply and Minerva nodded. They changed into warmer clothes and Hermione wandered down the stairs while Minerva pottered in the kitchen.

"I thought we'd take a thermos?" Hermione smiled so softly that Minerva paused. "Are you alright?"

"I love you," Hermione shrugged, her face heating up. "Just," she chuckled. "A lot."

Minerva took two steps toward her and swept her up in her arms. She couldn't help but giggle as her feet left the ground.

"I love you," Minerva said emphatically. "Ever so much. More than I might have the words to express to you."

Hermione kissed her sweetly and after gathering their things, they wandered outside into the snow.

"Oh," Hermione sighed, watching her breath on the air. "It is beautiful."

"Ah," Minerva said. "I remember; a lover of winter."

"You have a good memory."

"I try," Minerva hedged. "You should see this place in the summer."

"I can't wait," Hermione breathed.

Minerva offered her arm and Hermione curled around it, leaning into Minerva's shoulder. They walked quietly for a while out into the grounds of the house and then, after a moment of caution, into the outside.

"How long have you had the house?" Hermione asked conversationally.

"Few years."

"Do you regularly leave it unlocked?" Hermione asked, remembering she wanted to ask about her arrival but hadn't got around to it.

"Sorry?" Minerva asked, looking at her sideways.

"When I got here, the door was unlocked. It just let me in. I'd have thought you would be a bit more security conscious."

Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say as Minerva didn't answer. Her eyes were darting from one place to the next, so fast that it was making Hermione dizzy just watching.

"Minerva?" she said gently.

She got no response and they walked a little further with Minerva on high alert until Hermione couldn't stand it anymore. She stepped out in front and turned back only for Minerva to crash into her and knock them both into the snow. She laughed as an indignant huff preceded the unimpressed eyes that met hers above the drift.

"The war is over," Hermione said gently. "Nothing is going to happen. I didn't mean to bring it up."

"You," Minerva's eyes hardened and Hermione realised she might have miscalculated how much it was affecting Minerva. "Were tortured by people that -"

"I don't need reminding," Hermione snapped. "I was there."

The look that had appeared disappeared just as quickly and in place of her love, sat a tabby cat mewling pathetically.

"Min," she groaned. "You didn't need to do that," she muttered. "It's alright."

The cat climbed into her lap and butted under her chin, before transforming back into Minerva. Hermione was not upset in the slightest when that resulted in Minerva straddling her thighs.

"I'm so sorry, love."

"I'm not," Hermione mumbled.

"I should have -"

"Let it go," Hermione said finally, getting her brain back in working order.

"They're spelled to you," Minerva said, without context. "The wards," she clarified as Hermione frowned. "The door was not unlocked; it unlocked for you." Hermione stared and Minerva took pity on her. "I wanted you to be able to," she swallowed. "Come home when you were ready."

Minerva squeaked in surprise as Hermione set upon her and kissed her with all that she had. They kissed passionately for a while before it turned gentler. She laughed as Minerva pushed her back and nuzzled her cold nose under her collar. As Hermione lay looking at the sky, she breathed Minerva's name and smiled as the snow started to fall again. The ground was cold under Hermione's back but she was warm everywhere else as Minerva took possession of her mouth. Hermione took the opportunity to trace Minerva's thighs, using the seams of her wet-weather gear to guide her up, cupping her backside with glee. Minerva moaned as Hermione squeezed the globes under her hand and when Minerva pulled away, Hermione was panting.

"If we do that for much longer, we'll melt the snow," Hermione quipped.

Minerva laughed so loud it echoed through the trees. She cupped Hermione's cheek then stood, helping Hermione up with a heave.

"I needed that, thank you."

"The fight, the snog or the laugh?" Hermione smirked.

"All three," Minerva teased, sliding her own hand down Hermione's back and squeezing her bum a little. "Fair's fair," she muttered as Hermione looked at her sideways.

"I concur," she chuckled. She slid her hand into Minerva's and pressed a kiss to the back of it.

It was certainly not a terrible way to spend Christmas every year for the rest of her life.