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A Chance Encounter

Monday dragged. In fact, Hermione didn't think a day had ever taken as long to go by. She had opened up the store at ten, hoping to get at least a few customers who were looking for books to prepare themselves for the upcoming school year. The week before term had been when she herself had discovered this store, trying to find some of the more obscure titles she needed.

Hermione sighed into the palm of her hand as she glanced at the clock for the upteenth time in the last hour. Not even noon. This was the curse of loving the work one does, there's never anything to keep you busy because everything's always done. Another heavy sigh filled the empty bookstore as Hermione headed for the coffee bar to brew herself a cup and maybe enjoy a pastry.

She wasn't too worried about her finances yet, as Albus had managed the store well and had left get quite the inheritance, as it were. No, the problem with no customers was definitely the boredom. There was only so many times one could dust a bookshelf. Sitting down at one of the little tables in the cafe, she sipped her coffee, took a bite of a ginger cookie, and opened up an old favorite, Pride and Prejudice.

Minerva stifled a yawn as she listened to her new boss drone through a staff meeting. From what she understood, through discussions with her peers, these meeting didn't happen often, maybe about once a month, but that was enough. She could see why. Doctor Binns looked as though he had one foot in the grave and the other poised to take a step. He spoke as though he we're completely unaware that the teachers under his care were nodding off.

Finally, after an excruciating two and a half hours, Doctor Binns shuffled out of the staffroom, leaving the teachers to talk amongst themselves. Minerva was immediately approached by a red-headed woman who appeared to be about her age.

" Minerva, hello!"

Minerva smiled genuinely. "Good morning, Molly."

Molly laughed. "Morning! Binns droned so long it's nearly supper, dear."

Minerva looked down at her watch and realized it was fast approaching three. Where had the time gone? She grinned. "Supper time, indeed!" She began collecting her writing materials.

"How have you been settling in?" Molly hoisted her bag onto her shoulder and led the way to the door. "I know you've only been in town a short while, but I just thought I'd check in."

"That's very considerate of you, Molly. I find myself quite comfortable here. Everything I need seems to be right here in the very neighborhood"

"Yes, I wish Arthur and I were able to live closer, but such is life."

"Oh? You don't live in the teachers' flats?" Minerva questioned. "I was under the impression that they were available to families as well."

Molly laughed. "Maybe small ones. Arthur and I have seven children. Though some are grown, most do still live at home."

"Yes, I can see how that might be hard to manage with those accommodations. What does Arthur do for work?"

Molly rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "He tinkers. He's always been fascinated by the way things work. He buys pieces of things and puts them together to resell. I'm afraid I don't really understand it much."

Minerva nodded as they stepped out into the warm August sun. "Do you have time for some tea before you're due home?"

"I always have time for tea, dear. Do you have any place in mind?"

Even though they were roughly the same age, Minerva felt the motherly warmth coming from the other woman. She smiled. "I'm sure you know this area quite a bit better than I. Surely you have a favorite."

Molly appeared thoughtful for a moment. "Well, I believe a friend of my youngest son has a shop somewhere around here." She looked up and down the block, getting her bearings. "This way!" She set off in the direction of Minerva's flat.

By the time Minerva was aware of exactly where Molly was leading her it was too late. She should have suggested that cafe down the street. The tea wasn't great, but it wasn't here. While she did very much want to see Hermione, she wasn't sure how to act around her with other people around, especially not a colleague.

The bell rang when molly opened the door, causing Minerva to snap out of her musings.

"Be with you in a moment!" The disembodied voice came from the direction of the coffee bar. "Feel free to look around."

Molly smiled brightly. "Hermione, dear!"

The woman in question popped her head above the pastry case where she'd been rearranging things. "Molly!" There was pleasant surprise evident in the word. "What on Earth brought you up here? How's Arthur? My boys? Ginny?"

Minerva was amused by the slight blush on Hermione's face when she mentioned the last name, but before she could comment Molly stepped in.

"In case you've forgotten, i work near here." She winked. "Arthur is fine. The boys miss you." She paused. "So does Ginny."

Hermione's eyes dropped. "Hm, well, I'm surprised she has the time to."

"Hermione Jean Granger." Molly snapped. "I'll not have you continuing this ridiculous feud with my daughter. I gave her a very stern lecture and she's agreed to attempt to make amends. You will, at the very least, hear her out. Understood?"

The corners of Hermione's mouth twitched. "Yes, Mother."

Molly visibly relaxed. "Now that that's taken care of, I really like what you've done with the place. I'm very pleased it's open because I've brought a friend to check it out." She motioned to Minerva, who hadn't come any further into the store than stepping just inside the door.

Hermione's eyes widened comically. "Minerva?!" She squeaked, thoroughly embarrassed at the scene the older woman had just witnessed.

Molly looked back and forth between them. "And how do the two of you know each other?"

Minerva finally got the chance to speak. "I was roaming the streets one day and was fortunate enough to witness the grand opening of this beautiful shop." She paused to smile at Hermione. "I was invited in for tea and pastries."

Molly smiled widely. "Good! Then you already know how delicious Hermione's baking is." She turned to the young woman. "We were in search of a spot of tea. Interested in joining us/"

Hermione bit her bottom lip. "I don't know, there's an awful lot of stuff to get done around here…" She dodged the swat that came from Molly, then headed for the stove. "Three teas coming right up. What pastries may I prepare for you ladies?"

"Do you have any of those chocolate croissants that you brought over last Christmas?"

Hermione grinned. "No, but I did bake some fresh this morning."

Molly let out an exasperated sigh. "I swear."

"What about you, Minerva? Can I get you anything sweet to eat?"

"Surprise me." Minerva smirked. "I'm sure you've got something that will entice me."

Hermione went back to the pastry case and selected pastries. She then took care of the tea and put it all on a tray to bring it to the table, ignoring the pointed look coming from the older redhead.

Tea was enjoyed by all and the conversation flowed fairly easily. Molly, apparently determined to see just how much she could embarrass Hermione, had explained to Minerva that Hermione and her daughter Ginny had dated briefly, but that Hermione had been more into her studies than Ginny, while Ginny had been more interested in going out and experiencing the world.

Hermione scoffed. "The world, indeed."

Molly sighed. "While out with some friends, Ginny met a young man named harry. She did the right thing, Hermione."

The young woman gritted her teeth. "I suppose." She took another sip of tea, then set her own down. "I'm sorry, Minerva. I'm sure this conversation holds no interest for you."

Minerva sipped her own tea and shrugged. "It's something that obviously needed to be addressed." On impulse, she reach out and squeezed Hermione's hand. "I'm sorry it still affects you so."

With narrowed eyes, Molly interjected. "Are you two sleeping together?"

If either of the dark-haired women had been drinking, tea would have been spewed all over the table. As it was, Minerva snatched her hand back to her side of the table as if shocked and they both turned crimson.

"Seriously, Molly? You can't just ask people that!" Hermione ran her fingers through her hair.

"Hmmm, actually, I believe I just did." She turned her glare on Minerva. "Well?"

"While I agree with Hermione that this subject is hardly any of your business, no. We are not." Minerva sent her own Scottish glare Molly's way over the rim of her teacup. "We are two consenting adults, however, so there is every possibility that may change in the future."

Hermione squeaked. "Minerva!"

Molly continued her glaring match with Minerva for a few more minutes before her lips cracked into a grin. "True enough. None of my business." She put her hands up in surrender. "Can't blame a mother for trying though, can you?"

Minerva grinned back at her. "No, I suppose not." She dared a sip of tea, accompanied by a bite of the lemon tart Hermione had surprised her with. It was heaven.

Molly dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin and stood. "Well, I really must be off. Someone has to cook dinner for all of the brats at home." She smiled warmly at hermione, who had stood up to give her a hug. "Don't be a stranger. You know the longer you stay away, the more stories the twins think up."

Hermione laughed as she walked Molly to the door. "I'll pop by soon. I promise."

Molly turned at the dorr to find Minerva a few feet back. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

Minerva smiled. "Of course. The classroom won't magically stock itself, I expect."

"A pity." And with that, Molly Weasley left the shop at a brisk pace to return to the school and her car.

Hermione shut the door and turned to Minerva with a shy smiled on her face. "Hi."

"Hello yourself." Minerva took a tentative step towards Hermione. "I do hope we weren't actually interrupting anything terribly important with our visit."

Hermione raised her eyes to meet Minerva's. "Did you mean what you said?"

Minerva cocked her head to the side. "I always mean what I say. Which particular saying are you inquiring about?"

"That you intend to sleep with me in the future."

Minerva's stomach flipped. "While that's exactly what I said, yes. I don't see it happening just yet, but yes, Hermione. I intend to take you to bed in the future." She smiled ruefully. "That is, of course, assuming you'd be willing to take an old woman into your bed."

Hermione reached out and cupped Minerva's cheek in her palm. "Minerva, when I look at you I don't see an old woman. I see an incredibly attractive woman who I am very excited to lure into bed by any means necessary." She stroked a thumb over high cheekbones. "Or, at the very least, who I can fatten up by force feeding my cooking."

"Ah, lass. I can assure you that no force will be necessary." Minerva closed the distance between them to capture soft, plump lips with her own. A light moan escaped Hermione's throat causing Minerva to tighten her grip on hermione's waist.

Hermione's hand slid to the back of Minerva's neck to bring the older woman closer. She let out another soft moan, relishing in the feel of Minerva's body pressed against her own.

Minerva broked the kiss, panting. She left her hand on Hermione's waist as she let her forehead rest on the younger woman's head. "We should go clean up."

Hermione whined, not letting go. "Why?"

Minerva smirked. "Because your shop is currently open and I don't think any of your customers would appreciate being traumatized."

"I didn't think it was traumatizing." Hermione grumbled, but she did release the professor and headed to the table littered with tea. "We could always continue this after hours."

Minerva could hardly handle the saucy wink thrown her way. She cleared her throat. "I don't think that would be wise." When she saw Hermione's hurt expression, she hurried on. "Please, let me explain." She clasped Hermione's hand in her own and pulled her down into a seat. "I like you, Hermione. It's scary how fast it got to that point, but it's not really a surprise. You're beautiful, funny, intelligent. Any food could see that." She held up a finger to stop Hermione from interrupting. "What I'm saying is that while I may want nothing more than to ravish you right here by the books, I respect you, and I want to have a relationship with you, not just a one night stand."

"I'm sorry." Hermione said in a small voice. "I never meant for you to think I don't respect you. I also would very much like to try for a relationship." She looked up at Minerva through thick lashes. "It's just that kissing you feels so good."

At that, Minerva laughed and stood, pulling Hermione up with her. "Indeed it does." She set back to the task of cleaning up. "I never thought that of you. I am very glad that you also want to pursue a relationship with me."

Hermione picked up the tray and brought it to the sink, surprised when Minerva stepped up next to her, obviously intent on helping. "Oh, you don't have to do that. I'd not like you work here."

Minerva grinned. "No, but I'm sure you'll figure out some way to pay me for it."

Hermione dropped the saucer she had been cleaning, splashing soapy water onto both of them. "That's hardly fair." She scolded the Scot as she reached back in for the saucer.

"What's not fair?" Minerva tried, and failed miserably, to adopt a look of innocence.

"You know what. Insisting it's too early for certain activities and then saying stuff like that!"

"Oh? You mean things like this?" She leaned into Hermione's personal space and gestured downwards. "Hermione," she husked. "It appears you've gotten me quite wet."

Hermione gulped, then licked her lips, but before she could respond, the bell above the door rang, announcing a new arrival. Shakily, she called out. "With you in a minute!"

Minerva motioned towards the door. "Go. I'll finish these up. It's the least I could do."

Hermione smiled gratefully and dried her hands as she came out from behind the counter. Standing in the middle of the entryway, looking decidedly lost, yet somehow confident, stood a man she hadn't seen in awhile.

"Professor Snape!" Hermione tucked her towel into her back pocket as she approached him. "It's good to see you. What brings you by?"

Snape looked around, mildly uncomfortable. "Before Albus retired, I asked him if he could help me find a few books I needed. He sent me a postcard, a highly inappropriate one at that, that stated the package had arrived recently. I don't suppose you've seen it?"

"Yes! At least, I think so. A package did arrive just last week, but there was nothing inside to indicate who it was for." She worried her lower lip. "I'm not sure they're for you though. In fact, I thought they were a prank from Albus, after I told him what I planned to sell upstairs."

"Meddling old fool." Snape mumbled, then sighed. "I don't suppose you'd have the box still packed away somewhere and I can leave with my dignity intact?"

Hermione smiled brightly. "Actually, yes! I left them in the backroom because I was planning on asking Albus about them the next time he was in town." She hurried through a door behind the register that Minerva could have sworn wasn't there before, returning quickly with a medium-sized brown box. "Shall I open it for you?"

"No!" Snape answered a little too quickly. "No, I'm certain that the correct items are there." He took the box from her and gave a quick nod. "Thank you, Miss Granger." With that, he turned on his heel and stomped out of the shop, only struggling momentarily with the door.

Minerva waited until the man was down the street before coming out from behind the pastry case she'd hidden herself behind once she realized who the "customer" was. "Do I want to know what's in that box?"

Hermione giggled nervously, her face bright red. "I'm quite certain I don't want to know what's in that box. Or rather, I wish I hadn't known who it was for. I'm going to wring Albus' neck!"

Minerva chuckled. "I'm guessing Professor Snape was one of yours?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes. We had begun developing a friendship of sorts towards the end of my schooling, which mostly consisted of trading insults, if I'm honest."

"Hm, yes, I could see that constituting friendship for him. I've only known him a short while, but I already appreciate his wit."

"Don't tell him that. I swear that man's ego is bigger than this building."

Another laugh came from Minerva. "Of that I have no doubt." She turned her attention back to the kitchenette. "I managed to clean up the rest of your mess. Are there any other chores you require my assistance for?"

A wicked grin spread onto Hermione's face. "Oh, I'm sure I could think of something." The young brunette stalked towards the raven-haired woman. "But I'm afraid all of my ideas for your assistance are not appropriate for a bookstore during operating hours."

Minerva eyes darkened noticeably. "Be careful, lass. You may get more than you bargained for." She returned Hermione's grin, though hers was decidedly more feral. "I can assure you that once tempted I may not care if I'm being appropriate." She had closed the distance between them and leaned forward, whispering the last word directly into Hermione's ear.

The feeling of Minerva's lips brushing her ear and hot breath caressing her neck did wonderfully delicious things to Hermione's insides. She had to clear her throat before she could speak. "Is that so?" She was disappointed that her voice didn't come out as confident, instead the phrase passed her lips as a squeak, eliciting a throaty chuckle from the other woman.

Minerva took pity on the younger woman and backed away a few paces. "I believe this is my cue to take my leave. And before you try to argue, I will remind you of our earlier conversation." She smiled. "I will, however, jot this down as a second date." A wink. "In case you have any third date ideas."

Hermione's heart thudded in her chest. "I don't suppose I could convince you to skip dinner, could I?"

Minerva appeared to think before answering. "Hmmm…. No, I think not. I'm really quite interested in seeing what kind of restaurant you've decided to take me to." She turned to the door intend on leaving. "And maybe, if you're good, we can even have dessert." With that, Minerva opened the door and left Hermione standing in the entryway, gaping like a fish.

A/N:

Whaaaatttt? A new chapter within a week or so?! Wow. It's nice to have friends cracking the whip. *cough* Karmik *cough cough*