Hermione sat on the edge of the fountain, thinking about what Minerva said. If the letter really had nothing to do with why Minerva was there, then why shouldn't she take her one chance at happiness?

Reaching her decision Hermione stood to speak to the woman, only to discover that she was gone. Not knowing the direction in which she had headed, Hermione ran to Ginny.

"Where'd Professor McGonagall go?" she asked urgently.

"I don't know. She went over to talk to you. I haven't seen her since. What happened?"

"I need to find her," Hermione said desperately. She turned to Harry and Ron.

"She went to her Quarters, the password is 'Lasting Love'. Kind of ironic. GO!" Harry said, as he pushed her, not so gently in the right direction.

Hermione nodded and sprinted in the direction of Minerva's quarters. She had no idea what she would say, but it didn't matter. All that was important was that she would get there. She had to get there and explain.

Minerva sobbed in her quarters. Who was she to think that Hermione would just allow her the chance to come back? She was an idiot. Well, Minerva thought, at least she had the memories of the times that Hermione and herself had spent together. And she knew what it was like to be held and to hold her. That was something to take comfort in, even though she would never get the opportunity again.

Hermione ran to the portrait of Godric Gryffindor and panted, "Lasting Love". The portrait looked confused at her, but opened regardless. When Hermione saw, Minerva sitting, knees curled underneath her and tears falling down her face, her heart tugged painfully.

As quickly as she could, Hermione crossed the room and threw herself into Minerva's arms.

"I'm so sorry," she mumbled, as Minerva's arms went around her, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to take so long and I was thinking about what you were saying. And that you weren't forced or manipulated and by the time I realised you were there by your own accord, you were gone. And I didn't know where to find you, and Ginny said she didn't know and Harry had to find the map and it said the password, and I ran up here, and you were crying. And I'm so sorry, so sorry."

"Shhh," Minerva said soothingly, "Shhh. It's alright. You're here now, and that's all that matters."

Hermione nodded into Minerva's chest and pulled Minerva closer, "I'm so sorry. I'm so stupid and I didn't think, and I waited too long. I'm really sorry," she sobbed, "So sorry."

"Shhh," Minerva said once more, "Shhh. Relax."

Hermione nodded but didn't release her grip. She seemed to cling to Minerva like it was the last time she would ever be able to do so. After a while, Hermione calmed, but still buried her head in Minerva's chest. Both had trails of tears down their faces, but they held onto one another tightly.

"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I want to be with you, and I really do love you, Minerva," Hermione said, lifting her head to look Minerva in the eye.

Minerva smiled and whispered, "I love you too."

When their lips met for the first time, a myriad of sensations exploded. There was tenderness, softness, hunger and need but also something gentle, something strong and something powerful. It was a kiss full of love. When they broke apart, Hermione snuggled herself into Minerva's arms, while Minerva ran her hands through the long tendrils of hair.

"When?" she asked gently.

"I don't know. It's always seemed like it's been there. At first it was admiration, then friendship and then it was love. I think I recognised it for what it really was in fifth year. When you were attacked, and I couldn't do anything. I realised that you might not survive and I couldn't imagine that."

"How did you manage to find so much information about Stunning spells, risks and treatment? I was only awake for a few minutes, but I heard one of the Healers say that whoever it was must have been truly dedicated to come up with so much in so little time. I never knew that was you until now."

"Harry told you," Hermione whispered.

"He said that you requested that no-one know it was you. You wanted to remain anonymous, so you could love from afar."

"He was right. I was so scared how you'd react. I forced myself to try to only look at you as a friend and a mother, but it never seemed to work. You were still the most wonderful, attractive woman that I had ever met, and I was still in love with you."

There was a silence before Hermione spoke again, "When did you know?"

"I always saw you as a younger version of myself. Studious, hard-working, few friends, intelligent, you were always the person that I could confide in. At first it was a little strange, me being the teacher and confiding in my student, but you became sort of like my best friend. Someone I could always rely on, and someone who would always be there for me, whatever happened. Then, in your fourth year, with the Yule Ball and the Second Task; I was jealous of Krum, though I couldn't think why," Hermione giggled softly, "and I was terrified when you were underwater. I know Albus's magic is sound, but it still terrified me."

"I only took Viktor to make people jealous. I didn't really like him, but he was nice."

"Yes, and then with the battle when Albus passed, I saw you fighting. I wanted to yell at you to go and hide; at least that way you would have been safe. I could have killed you when you jumped in front of that damn curse for me. You are still very lucky I didn't," Minerva said sternly, though the effect was ruined by the huge smile across her lips.

"I'm glad it turned out this way," Hermione said, through a smile, "though I could have done without all the crying." She laughed.

"Come," Minerva said, "I think you owe your friends an explanation."

Hermione nodded and stood, as they turned to leave Minerva's quarters, Hermione pressed a gentle kiss to Minerva's lips, "I love you," she whispered lovingly.

"Always," Minerva replied.

(I hope you enjoyed the story. I was a little unsure of how to end it, because it wasn't quite long enough, so I hope that this is okay.)