And here it is, y'all. The conclusion. I hope you've all enjoyed and I'm very excited that writing this story has lit a fire for my other fics. Here's hoping we see updates from those soon.

Friends Aplenty

The next morning, Minerva woke first. It took a few minutes to get her bearings, looking out at an unfamiliar room. Under her hand, a warn body stretched before slipping further into sleep. Here in the early hours, Minerva's insecurities sprang up. What have I done? She looked down at the goddess laying half on top of her, riotous brown curls splayed over her chest, and a leg thrown over her own.

Breathing shakily, she extracted herself from the warm embrace of her young lover. Lover. She shook her head as she crept to the bathroom to relieve herself. When she returned, Hermione was awake, sitting up in bed with an odd look on her face.

"Is everything okay?" Minerva asked nervously. She regrets it.

"No."

Minerva's heart stopped. "Oh." She bent to begin picking up the articles of clothing that we're strewn all over the floor.

"Aren't you you going to ask me what's wrong?" Hermione shifted, causing the blanket that been around her chest to slide down.

Minerva's breath caught at the sight. "Yes, of course." She paused her tidying. "What seems to be the matter?"

Hermione frowned. "I woke up alone." She cocked her head. "And it looked an awful lot like you were trying to sneak back in here without waking me." Chocolate eyes narrowed. "You were going to leave without saying goodbye." It wasn't a question.

Minerva grimaced, confirming Hermione's suspicion. She met the younger woman's gaze and the hurt and uncertainty she saw squeezed her heart. "Hermione." Her voice cracked lightly, but she pressed on. "Hermione, I'm an old woman. I shouldn't have let this get as far as it did. I've taken advantage of you. It was foolish of me. You're young. You have your whole life ahead of you and you deserve to spend it with someone who can grow old with you."

Anger flashed through Hermione's eyes. "You don't get to say this was a mistake."

"I didn't-"

"No. Not in so many words, but you did say it shouldn't have happened. You don't get to say that. What about how I feel about it? Last night was one of the best nights of my existence and you say you wish it hadn't happened." Her voice dropped and basically growled as she continued. "I don't give one single fuck that you're older than I am, but I do care that you're trying to take this choice away from me." Pause. "Unless I really was just a shag to you. In that case, feel free to leave." She rose out of the bed and walked past Minerva to sequester herself in the bathroom until the older woman left.

She didn't get far. Minerva's hand grabbed her arm, effectively halting her progress. There were tears in those emerald eyes.

"I'm sorry." Minerva choked out. "I swear this was not just a shag. And it certainly was not a mistake." She sighed. "I just panicked, I suppose. It's been quite some time since I've allowed anyone to get very close to me and you got there in a week." Her fingers lifted from Hermione's arm. "What I tried to do this morning was stupid and wrong. I never meant to take away your choice."

Hermione relaxed, turned to Minerva, and cupped her cheek. "You were not just a shag to me either. I've told you once already that I'm not interested in those." She allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "I have no intention of making last night a one night stand. I also have no delusions about your age, but that doesn't matter. I like you for what's in here," she tapped Minerva's forehead, "and here." Then she tapped her chest.

Not able to take it any longer, Minerva gathered Hermione into her arms and pulled her until a hug, letting her head rest on curly brown hair hair. "If you can forgive me, I'd like to rewind this morning and try again."

Hermione slid her arms around Minerva's skin, naked waist. "Hmm…. I think I'd like that." She pulled back a little and told her head up. "Good morning."

Minerva grinned widely. "Good morning to you as well."

They shared a kiss before Hermione backed away fully. "Now if you'll excuse me." Brown eyes raked a milky white figure. "You'd better be here when I return."

Minerva shuddered watching Hermione saunter away. Maybe today would turn out alright after all.

Several hours later a much happier couple descended the stairs into the bookstore, exchanging touches and kisses, unwilling to be more than a few inches from each other.

"Can you stay?" Hermione asked, reluctantly pulling away to start the tea.

"I'm afraid not." Minerva grinned at the pout Hermione was sporting. She leaned forward to kiss it off before replying. "I still have some work to do before term on Monday. Besides, you're liable to be busy today and I would only be in the way."

"Nonsense!" Hermione ran a hand down Minerva's arm, causing the older woman to shiver. "Can't you do the work you need to do here? You can use the upstairs loft."

"And have you a mere two floors below me and I'm not allowed to do anything about it?" Minerva scoffed. "I think not"

"Who said you couldn't do anything about it?" Hermione pulled Minerva as close as she could, aligning their pelvises. "You can do anything you want about it."

Minerva groaned as she crushed her lips against Hermione's, loving how they fit so well together. "You're an evil temptress, you are," she murmured against soft lips. "But I really can't. We both have to work." She paused. "You could come over after you close up tonight, if you'd like."

Hermione beamed. "That sounds wonderful!"

"Good!" Minerva leaned in for one more kiss before separating herself from Hermione. "I'll take care of dinner. You just bring your appetite."

Hermione grinned lasciviously. "That I can do!"

A rich laugh emanated from Minerva. "Of that I have no doubt!"

Hermione walked Minerva to the door so she could get in one last kiss before opening the store. "I'll see you tonight."

"I can hardly wait." She walked out the door and almost ran into someone.

Standing in the doorway, wearing khaki shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and loafers was the skinniest old man Minerva thought she had ever seen.

"Who are you?" The old man asked, not unkindly.

Hermione stepped in front of Minerva. "Albus! What are you doing here?"

Albus huffed. "You'd know if you ever answered your bloody phone."

Hermione blushed. "I'm sorry, Albus. I've been busy." She tried hard to not look at Minerva. "You know how it is the week before term."

Minerva cleared her throat. "Well, I really must be off. Thank you again, Hermione."

"Oh, no you don't." Hermione scolded. "Albus, this is Minerva. My, er, friend."

There was a twinkle in Albus' eyes as he looked between the two women. He smiled. "Minerva." He nodded to her. "It's very nice to meet you. May I ask what my dear Hermione has done to earn your thanks?"

It was Minerva's turn to blush scarlet. "Oh, yes, well, I've just started a teaching post nearby and Hermione has been very helpful in getting me the supplies I need."

"Mhm."

Hermione pulled Albus inside. "Alright, old man. How about some tea and lemon drops?" She led him over to the cafe while motioning for Minerva to make her escape. Gratefully, Minerva listened.

Albus sat down to watch Hermione munch on a Danish while preparing the tea. "How long have you been sleeping with her?"

Hermione choked on her pastry. "What?" She wheezed, trying to find some water. After a few healthy gulps she spoke. "What makes you think I'm sleeping with Minerva?"

Albus laughed. "My dear, I'm old, not blind. It's obvious you've gotten laid, recently, and Minerva was leaving before you opened this morning." He cocked his head. "Did I miss anything?"

Narrowed brown eyes peeked at him over the rim of a water cup. "No." Hermione mumbled. "You didn't." She put down the cup, sighed, and rubbed her face. "Last night was our first time."

Albus stood to gather Hermione in a hug. "But that's wonderful! So why do you look bothered by it?"

Hermione shrugged. "I don't know, Albus. What if I do something stupid?"

Albus smiled. "I have no doubt you will. The important thing is how you both handle it afterwards."

"I suppose. But we've only known each other a week, I don't know what I'm doing."

"My dear girl, none of us do. But if you like her, which is quite obvious, then isn't it worth it to try?"

Hermione laughed lightly. "Yes, I like her a lot." She finished putting together the tea tray and motioned for Albus to join her at the table. "How's Florida?"

"It's marvelous!" Albus then went in, in great detail, how Key West was the absolute best place in the world for a gay man, especially once good at disguises.

Hermione rolled her eyes good-naturedly as she listened, only stopping occasionally when customers came in and needed assistance. Several regulars came in and were thrilled to see Albus. By one he had a small audience in the mini cafe and Hermione was quickly selling out of pastries.

"Why don't you go upstairs and make more?" Albus asked as Hermione handed out the last raspberry tart.

"Oh, Albus. I couldn't. You're having too much fun."

"Nonsense. I have fun working, too. Besides, you look like you could take a break."

Hermione's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you. I'll be back as soon as they're done."

Albus waved her off. "Take your time."

Hermione bade goodbye to Albus' admiring fans and scurried up the stairs. She was not prepared for the sight that greeted her.

"What are you doing here?"

Minerva looked up from the papers that were scattered about in front of her on the table, piercing Hermione with an emerald green stare. "I decided you were right and that I should spend my time here instead." She motioned to a key at the edge of the table. "My good friend Albus let me up."

"Did he now?" Hermione picked up the key, turning it in her fingers and mumbled. "Knew I should have changed the locks."

"Oh?" Minerva stood and began collecting her things. "Then I suppose you would rather there be no one up here?"

Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but saw the grin on her lover's face. "Oh, no you don't." She took the few pages out of Minerva's hand and placed them back on the table. "While it is quite unexpected to see you, it's a pleasant surprise." Reaching up, she cupped Minerva's cheek and began stroking the soft skin under her thumb. "And since you came all this way…" she trailed off as she tilted her head up to capture Minerva's lips on her own.

The kiss was slow and sensual, both women taking time to delve into each other's mouths, exploring with their tongues. It didn't take long for hands to join the quest, roaming over curves and dipping between hips and breasts.

Hermione broke the kiss, panting, and laid her head on Minerva's shoulders. "While I would enjoy nothing more than to continue this, I did come up here for a reason."

Minerva lowered her head enough so her lips came into contact with the smooth skin of Hermione's neck. "I find I don't give a damn what your reason was." She nipped at Hermione's collarbone and the brunette gasped. Grinning, Minerva blazed a trail of licks and sucks until she found her way back to Hermione's mouth. "But if it's a very important reason." She shrugged and pulled away.

Hermione growled and reattached her lips to Minerva's, entangling her fingers in the older woman's loose tresses, revelling in the silky texture. "Just some stupid pastries." She gasped out between kisses. "Those downstairs can hang."

Minerva chuckled as Hermione backed her into a counter which she quickly hopped onto, letting her legs spread and pulling Hermione close again. She gasped when Hermione's fingers found their way beneath the hem of her skirt.

Hermione slid her handsns up Minerva's thighs, hiking her skirt up until she could see that Minerva wasn't wearing underwear. "Really, Minerva? You were only here to prepare your lesson plans?"

"I never said any such thing," the older woman purred, wrapping her legs around Hermione's waist.

Hermione grinned and slid down Minerva's body until her knees rested in the kitchen floor. She leaned in and inhaled Minerva's scent, then flicked her tongue out to gather some of the moisture she found. "Hmm… You taste so good." She looked up to see Minerva with her head thrown back and her fingers gripping the countertop. Without hesitation, Hermione bent back to tasting Minerva, intent on bringing her to orgasm with only her tongue, as she had the night before. Her hands roamed over smooth legs and up the firm stomach until they found purchase massaging full breasts.

Minerva tried her damnedest to be quiet, knowing there was a shop full of customers below, but fuck if Hermione wasn't hitting every spot that would normally make her scream. Gripping the counter with one hand and Hermione's hair in the other, she thrust her hips as she came, gasping Hermione's name.

Licking her lips, Hermione stood and pressed her lips to Minerva's. "I think you should come here more often."

Minerva smiled dazedly. "I'll never get anything done."

Hermione shrugged and winked. "I hardly think that's my problem."

"Hmph."

Hermione wrapped her arms around Minerva's waist, pulling her down off the counter and steadying her. "Now, I really must get to work. The masses require sustenance."

Minerva almost pouted. "You mean I don't get to return the favor?" She leaned into Hermione's embrace, wrapping her own arms around the younger woman. "Why not?"

"Because I have a business to run and it won't happen with my thighs wrapped around your head."

Minerva groaned at the visual. "That's not fair at all."

"Never said I played fair." Hermione disentangled herself from Minerva's grasp and began preparing the kitchen for baking. "If you can behave yourself you may stay and keep me company. If not, you can go spend time with your 'good friend' Albus."

Minerva watched Hermione move around the kitchen, her eyes drifting often to ogle tight jeans hugging a delicious ass and it made up her mind. With a huff she stalked out of the attic and made her way downstairs, hastily putting her skirt back down and smoothing it. The first thing she noticed when she reached the bottom floor was Albus, grinning widely, in conversation with a very annoyed Severus Snape.

"I gave you my address for a reason, Albus." Severus growled.

Albus patted him on the shoulder. "I'm so sorry. I must have lost it." He shrugged. "No harm done though, right? Our Miss Granger is the only other one who knows what was in that box." His eyes caught Minerva's and his grin widened impossibly further. "Unless, of course, someone else was around when she opened it."

Severus followed his gaze to where Minerva was standing and he paled. He fidgeted with the collar of his black shirt, inadvertently allowing a white frill to be seen. "Yes, well, er, good day to you, Albus. Minerva." He jerked his head in a sort of nod then disappeared into the crowd to escape.

Albus strolled over to Minerva. "Hello again, my dear. Doesn't look like you're getting much lesson planning done."

Minerva could feel the beginnings of a blush on her neck. "I managed to get done what I needed to before I was so rudely ejected." She sniffed indignantly. "Apparently I'm a distraction."

Albus guffawed and threw his arm around her shoulders in order to lead her into the crowd milling about so he could introduce her to everyone.

Five Years Later

Christmas music played over the speakers and surrounded the family that was putting ornaments on the tree taking up a good but of floor space at Weseli's. The twins and Hermione we're cooking with the "help" of little Mary, Hermione and Minerva's oldest. Her younger brother Sam was being a gigantic pain in the ass to everyone else by scattering ornaments wherever it pleased him.

Ginny, who was thoroughly enchanted, picked Sam up and took his to the window to watch the boats go by. Minerva smiled gratefully at the young redhead then turned to start picking up loose ornaments. Again.

Ron swaggered in on the arm of Albus, causing riotous laughter from the group as they regaled everyone with the goings on at the Snape residence.

Harry, who had been hiding behind the tree while playing Hide and Seek with his own daughter, came out to socialize with the newcomers.

Ron sauntered into the kitchen, after stopping to kiss Sam and Ginny on the cheek. "Mary! There's my girl!"

The four-year old laughed delightedly as Ron picked her up and swung her around in a circle, well away from cooking surfaces. "Unca Won!" She giggled when he kissed her sloppily on the cheek the same way she kisses him.

Hermione smiled at the sight, her heart swelling with love for her best friend and daughter. "Alright, you two. Time to set the table. Go get everyone to help, even Mommy."

Mary giggled again, squirming to be released from Ron's arms. As soon as she was free she ran into the other room. "Mommy! Mommy! Momma said you have to help! Or else!"

The twins burst out laughing. "Hear that often, does she?"

Hermione flushed. "Oh, hush." She turned back to Ron. "Any word on when your parents are due to arrive?"

"They should be here soon. We passed them on the way."

As if on cue, the other room's volume increased significantly with various greetings being exchanged along with laughter. The four of them left the kitchen to welcome the elder Weasleys and get everyone settled in for dinner.

Hermione took Sam from Ginny, placed a kiss on her cheek, then made her way to Minerva who was laying down place settings with Mary. She tucked Sam into his high chair and turned to her wife. "How is everything going out here?"

Minerva patted Mary on the head. "Our big girl is doing a wonderful job setting the table." She gestured to the mismatched tableware adorning the table with a grin. "Isn't it lovely?"

Hermione laughed and bent down to Mary's level. "You did the best job of setting a table I have ever seen." She kissed her daughter on the nose, eliciting a giggle. "Now why don't you go get Uncle Fred and Uncle George back in the kitchen? I'll be there soon." Mary nodded and ran off while Hermione stood back up. She looked to Minerva and cocked her head. "What's that look for?"

Minerva wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist and pulled her close. "Do I tell you enough just how much I love you?"

Hermione's answering smile lit up the room as butterflies frolicked in her stomach. "I would not be averse to hearing it more."

"I love you, Hermione Jean McGonagall, with every fiber of my being." Minerva said as she closed the remaining distance between them to capture Hermione's mouth with her own.

A/N: Thank you for reading!