AN: wow this took forever. I hope this last part does the start of it justice. All mistakes are my own, but the characters most certainly aren't.
Hermione was awakened with a little peck like she was every other day and a little relieved sigh as she felt Minerva get up. It was a nice day from what she could see of outside but living in the Scottish highlands had given her an appreciation for the way the weather could change.
However, this Saturday was shaping up to be a calm one. Maybe they could have a picnic next to the loch, and perhaps even go down to Diagon Alley and get the few things she needed to brew some skele-gro; seeing as she knew Poppy was running a bit low to start the year with. She knew most of the things she would need could be easily gotten from Hogwarts, though not many were stored at the manor, as potion making had never been one of Minerva's favorite activities. In turn, there wasn't much other than what was necessary for a basic hangover draught and possibly, if she was lucky, a heavily modified version of a pepper up potion still in the great house. Normally the potions professor would take care of it, but with a new permanent potions professor coming in to take over for the temporary one that had been at Hogwarts following Severus's detailed lesson plans for the last two years, Poppy had come to her personally rather than request that the new professor do that before they arrived.
She heard the shower going and, though she was a little confused by Minerva's haste to get ready, decided to snuggle back into the covers when suddenly she realized it was the day of the graduation ceremony…
Graduation, her official removal from being a student, her last farewell to being the one ostracized from activities, her final time wearing gold and scarlet graduation robes.
She got up and started getting ready in the other half of the bath.
Hermione sighed as she thought about how much Minerva had protested to their starting a relationship just because she hadn't worn robes nearly identical to the ones she was staring at right then. A small conflicted smile appeared as she thought about that fight…
"No, absolutely not!" ground out Minerva as she stood abruptly in an attempt to distance herself from the girl.
"Why the bloody hell not? I know you're not as old as you look, I also know that I cared for you long before I found that out, and I know that we could work if you gave us a shot, so tell me why not!" exclaimed Hermione as she looked at the woman who had just abandoned her on the couch.
"Why not? Why NOT? Because you are a STUDENT! A pupil left in my care by your parents so that I could guide you and protect you, not so that I could bloody sleep with you and most certainly not so that I could have a romantic relationship with you. You are not even twenty yet! You have your entire life ahead of you and all you want is for me to take it away?" Minerva was nearly yelling by the time she finished. Anger seemed to radiate from the woman as she trudged to her desk.
"What life would there be if I'm missing half of me? What if it won't be a life at all if I'm not with you?" asked Hermione as she stood, her eyes filled with angry flames, furious at the woman's refusal to even admit her feelings.
"You are still a student, still my charge, still not even half my age. I cannae-"
"Are you in love with me? Please just tell me, just tell me… you are…" said Hermione in a hoarse whisper, cutting Minerva off.
Minerva just sat there, unable to deny the girls claim but unwilling to tell her she was right. It just couldn't be between them. Even though she knew that her chance to break Albus's spell was standing right in front of her offering her, everything she wanted, she couldn't admit it. Even as she watched the rage so evident in Hermione's eyes, because of her initial rejection of the idea entirely, temper out into a soft burn that said she wasn't really mad, just disappointed.
Disappointment, that's what made Minerva walk back over to where Hermione was standing near the couch they had been occupying before this had started. With every step she took toward the girl more and more conflicted she became, half of her wanted to run away and never look back while the other half wanted to ravish the gorgeous woman in front of her. Hermione's tear filled eyes broke something inside Minerva, so much so that she couldn't keep a hold on her glamours any longer.
The image of a stern woman who looked like she was fiftyish fell away, replaced by a thirty year old version of her from nearly five decades before, a sight that Hermione had seen only once before. Even with her blurry eyes, Hermione could see the gorgeous witch in front of her; the Professor McGonagall mask was stunning and just as attractive of course, but this version of her was almost sinfully alluring. Hermione barely managed to stay silent after her initial gasp, the words she didn't say spoke louder than anything she could have said.
A velvet soft hand cupped her face and pulled her into a tear filled, soul crushing kiss, one that spoke of despair and confusion, of fear and forbidden love, of pleasure felt only by soul mates. Hidden emerald eyes let the salty tears go and a sob escaped as she pulled Hermione closer, her arm wrapping around the girl's waist and her hand tangling in her unruly hair, as the young woman threw her arms around Minerva's waist and forced their torsos together. It wasn't a promise of tomorrow, it was a plea for the rest of their lives.
As they pulled back, Hermione whispered, "I love you," not loosening her hold on the far taller woman the slightest bit, even as she waited for the words to come that would tear her heart and soul to pieces, waited for the rejection she was sure was coming.
That was it, her breaking point. Sobs wracked Minerva's body mercilessly as Hermione held her. She had known for some time that the girl holding her was in fact her soul mate and that her life wouldn't be complete without her but had been completely unwilling to let her feelings show. It was impossible in her mind for them to work, no matter what Albus told her.
The words Hermione was waiting for never came.
After a few long minutes calming herself the raven haired woman managed to say one thing, a mumbled, "I love you too," that was said in a voice thick with her Scottish brogue.
Hermione couldn't contain herself, no, her reaction to those words that mean so much when put together and yet hold so little significance when apart was too visceral for her to control it. She used the arms she already had around the witch's waist and pulled her down onto the couch and proceeded to snog the older woman senseless. She couldn't get enough of those wicked lips on hers, the taste of black tea and ginger, and the feel of the older woman's tongue sliding against hers.
Minerva hadn't given in at all; instead she had pulled her younger love closer and taken control of the kiss.
Smiling, Hermione looked around the room she was sitting in, the black hat she had chosen in this very room just a week ago resting in her hands, as her mind drifted to a more recent memory…
"Hermione, dear, I have to tell you something. Two nights ago a large change occurred in our relationship, one that is far more major than you realize. When we made love we became bound to each other in a way that if ever broken will never let us heal. The magic that swirled around us tied us to each other completely, which is why it hurt you to be away from me, though, sitting in that chamber with all those idiotic people was torture."
Darling, the reason I wouldn't make love to you for so long was I needed to know I had given you a chance to leave, to be with someone younger and less scarred. I couldn't bring myself to be alright with making you bound to me before I knew you had had an opportunity to leave. It would have shattered my heart, torn my soul to shreds, and probably made me an unfeeling immortal woman but it would have been worth it if you were happy."
Now you can't leave and I can't help but feel guilty."
As Minerva explained how the bond worked, Hermione listened in awe of how selfless her love had been, so willing to give up the pleasure she had been denied for so long to give her what she wanted, waiting so patiently before taking her, letting her take a look out at the world before tying them together. There was nothing, she had thought up till that moment, could ever make her love Minerva more, but she fell just a little bit harder when she looked at her love.
Minerva sat in the parlor by the manor entrance. She was wearing her favorite set of dark green silk dress robes, as per the requirements of the ceremony due to the fact that she would be speaking. She was torn between loathing and being overjoyed about her requirement to attend because she had not one but two reasons it was mandatory she attend. As the headmistress of, and longest standing professor, at Hogwarts she was obligated to give a speech the graduating class just as Albus and every other head of the school had done since the universities establishment in the late 1300's. As Hermione's lover, partner, she needed to be there to support her love and to celebrate her great achievement in getting her masteries of so many subjects: charms, arithmancy, study of ancient runes, potions, and of course transfiguration. A little smirk made its way to her lips as she reread the letter in her robe pocket.
"Dearest Minerva,
I am writing this in my potions class because I have already finished the potion we were to brew (an OWL level one if I remember Severus' class that year correctly). It is only my second day at the university and yet I find myself on verge of expulsion. I would attempt to explain my actions away but I feel it might be best if you just heard to entire story.
My day started late because I found myself unable to sleep for the longest time and I awoke twenty minutes late. Taking this into account I got ready as fast as I could and transformed into my animagus form and charmed all of my things to come to me when I changed back. As a little kitten I ran as fast as I could to Professor Grafawn's class not wanting to be late to my first lesson with him. I hopped onto his desk as it was the only one I could see that was elevated enough to allow me to change back and be standing when I was done. Once I finished transforming I dared to look over at him and to my immense surprise I found a short balding man who was red in the face with rage.
He shouted some nonsense that his class wasn't a place to show off and that if I was only attending the class to upstage him I had better get out. I didn't realize just how mad he was so I tried to explain that I meant no disrespect to his abilities or that he wouldn't be able to teach me. When he told me to get out I lost my temper a little bit and told him to make me.
After a moment's pause he had the gall to attempt to stun me. I feel almost bad thinking about it now but the instincts driven into me from battle after battle compelled me to simultaneously cast a shield charm and begin transfiguring a desk into a lion. Unfortunately the poor man fainted before I could undo it. I immediately procured a stretcher and sent a patronus to the schools nurse and turned the lion back into a table. The nurse said there would be no lasting damage but that I should relax a bit.
The rest of the students just sat there looking like the dimwits I know they must be. I honestly do not believe that these can be qualified as advanced classes. I wasn't even assigned the amount of homework I got when I was studying for ten NEWTS and I'm studying for five masteries. I have a feeling that I shall be the valedictorian if these supposedly brilliant people don't learn to be brighter than Ronald, and you have firsthand experience with how utterly unintelligent he is when it comes to school work.
Tomorrow I will begin studying under Professor Adler for transfiguration instead.
I'll be on the other side of the two way mirror tonight at nine, I hope you liked the little surprise the quill holds and I hope you'll use it special properties too.
With all the love I have,
Your love"
Minerva let out a guffaw as she reread the letter about the little man who she had met at a few transfiguration conventions where he had spoken. He had always been completely inaccurate when he spoke about anything more complicated than transfiguring copper to steel and always jealous of Minerva, who had been two years behind him and beaten him, the top of his class in the subject, out of his chance to be published by presenting a compelling theory that explained why some animagi's animal traits crossed over to their human form. Of course this prevented him from studying under Albus who would take only the best, which wasn't Grafawn. Her getting an apprenticeship with Albus after completing her seventh year was just the cherry on top of the ever growing mountain of reasons he resented her.
Her smirk grew into a brilliant smile as she thought about how she had found Hermione playing with a ball of brightly colored yarn Albus had given her years ago for Christmas.
A little blonde and brown colored kitten with bushy hair that reminded her of the girl that was supposed to be waiting for her in the transfiguration room was pouncing on a green ball of yarn that kept magically moving away. The headmistress looked at the little cat lovingly before scooping it up in her arms and playing with the baby cat. It turned over in her hands and that's when she saw the word on the little arm. Pressing gently on the soft tummy she whispered for her to hold still.
There in the same place on the kitten as where Hermione was branded with the word read mudblood in dark brown fur.
Her protégé, her love had done it! And she was a kitten how wonderful. Now they could play together and now Hermione would know how she was so silent. Of course the fact that she was a kitten, one that looked to be about three months old was a bit odd, but to each their own. Hermione had transformed!
Looking down, joy sparkling in her emerald eyes, she asked Hermione to turn back.
"Hermione you did it!" said Minerva as she pulled the girl into a tight hug.
With a small wiggle Hermione repositioned herself within the embrace so she could capture those sinful lips. Hermione deftly unclasped the front of Minerva's thick outer robe, that was most certainly necessary because with how quickly the castle had needed to be prepared Flitwick's new warming charm couldn't be incorporated into the stones as they were pieced back together. Her thin arms had wrapped around the older witch's waist as she kissed the headmistress passionately, whimpering as she felt herself being pushed into a chair and deserted. The kiss had ended far sooner than she wished but dear lord, if those lips got any more talented Hermione was going to pass out the next time they kissed.
Minerva had stopped at the sound of Rolanda's boots coming toward them and quickly whispered to Hermione to change.
The next memory she conjured up was from a few weeks later when it looked as though Hermione was about to collapse from the amount of studying she was doing in preparation for midterms and the winter holiday. She was missing from meals and when Minerva saw her it seemed that the bags under eyes grew darker every day. After a few days Minerva got so concerned that she held Hermione after class knowing that she study hall next.
"Hermione, darling, how would you like to have dinner in my rooms tonight?" asked Minerva as she moved to hug the girl.
"Mmm. I would love to but the entire school would notice your absence and the boys made me promise to have dinner with them. How about right after lessons we go play in the snow and then after dinner I study in your office until you finish what you need to do?"
She clutched Hermione closer to her body as she said in the sternest voice she could muster, "We absolutely cannot play in the snow, no matter how much I want to, because then I would lose my reputation for being a hard ass, as your fellow students like to call me."
"I didn't mean as us, us. I meant as cats. It would make the younger kids laugh and we could all use a bit of laughter, couldn't we? Plus I think it could be fun to be able to just mess around in the snow with no one judging me."
Minerva was just about to tell Hermione no when she saw the girl looking at her with so much hope I her eyes that she couldn't. With a quick few words of agreement she gave her a little peck on the cheek and sent her on her way.
Four hours later two very different looking cats met in the corridor leading to the courtyard, Hermione giving the far larger tabby a head-butt to her flank when the headmistress showed ignored her. In a second Hermione was pinned by the tabby on her back with Minerva's emerald eyes twinkling with amusement as the kitten tried to wiggle out from under her.
She let Hermione struggle for a few moments longer before she releasing her and delivering a gentle swat to her nose, silently reprimanding the kitten. Hermione got the message and patted down the hall before leaping into the fluffy white powder that covered the stone floor of the courtyard followed closely by the grey tabby. They playfully circled each other in the middle of the snow occasionally pouncing onto the other and drawing giggles from the first and second years. When the odd seventh year or another professor walked by and gave the larger cat a respectful nod the underclasses gave them a puzzled look but didn't do anything.
For nearly an hour they sparred in the snow until Hermione started to wobble and sway until she fell and didn't get up. She had passed out from exhaustion in the snow.
'Well shite,' thought Minerva, 'Poppy is going to kill me over this.'
A little chuckle escaped her lips as the small scene caused by Rolanda's charmed mistletoe at the grandiose yule celebration throw at Hogwarts that year crossed her mind.
She was standing almost alone in the Gryffindor common room waiting on the prefects, Ginerva and Neville (who had taken over prefect duties when Hermione and Ronald had left), their dates, Harry and Luna, and of course her date, the head girl. The first to arrive were the boys both dressed in tasteful modern robes. They were followed by Luna who wore a simple set of black dress robes. Ginerva came down next dressed in a pale knee length blue dress that nicely offset her cerulean colored eyes. All of them looked stunning and made a lovely set that she was sure would charm the guests who were arriving to celebrate the first Christmas without Voldemort.
Minerva, complete with all of her normal glamours, was dressed in a black floor length gown that's long sleeves covered her slender arms and the satin material clung to her curves in a way that made the headmistress looked absolutely stunning. The high boat neck gave her a modest front that framed her face beautifully, and the rear, that was the truly astonishing part of the dress. It bared her delicately muscled back from the top of her shoulders to just below the dimples just above her bum but it wasn't actually bare, no it was covered in a black mesh so fine it was barely noticeable. Her hair was up like always only this time it was done in a low bun rather than the one she usually wore. To finish off her look she had put on a set of heels to die for, a pair of five inch Valentino pumps in a plain matte black, and of course her ever present silver rimmed glasses.
Hermione walked down the steps from her room, her heels clacking slightly against the stone steps as she descended the stairs, her violet gown barely skimming the gown as she reached the bottom. Her hair had been smoothed down from its normally bushy, curly state so that it brushed against her shoulder blades. The dress was just as incredible as her date's with its plunging neckline that showed an almost scandalous amount of skin but was still demure enough to be worn to an event like the one being held that night.
It was, in Minerva's mind, perfect and from the stares they received as they entered the great hall the rest of the guests thought so as well.
The Great hall looked grand as they walked in. Magical snow fell from the enchanted ceiling only to disappear a few feet above their heads, four enormous trees tastefully decorated in the house colors stood at the front each with their mascots as toppers, the walls had magic never melt frost on them, a large dance floor in the center, and in the middle was an impossibly large ice sculpture of a large stone with the name of everyone lost in the last battle written on it. Around the room there were medium sized circular buffets serving hors d'oeuvres each with a sprinkle of tables surrounding them.
Immediately after they entered Kingsley swept Minerva and Hermione away to the group of bureaucrats amassed at the front of the hall while the others went to join the Weasley family, other members of the Order, and the professors. Minerva kept a partly protective and partly possessive hand on Hermione's lower back as she charmed the more snobbish portion of the guests so that the young girl wouldn't be forced to dance with each and every bachelor in attendance. After a half hour though, Minerva's patience was beginning to wane dramatically due to the fact that every eligible man had asked her to dance seeing as they were there as "friends who simply didn't want to go alone or with a date."
Hermione had been a lifesaver and had easily made up a legitimate excuse for them to go visit a group of people Minerva much proffered over the pompous people she was currently dealing with. They gracefully, though with a bit of difficulty due to every other person wishing to speak with them, made their way over to the interesting jumble of friends. Along the way the two had linked arms in order not to be separated by the people in the hall and huge smiles had made their way onto the lovely women's faces. Upon their arrival though the brilliant, beatific, breathtaking smiles vanished because there at the center of the crowed was Ronald, who turned a shade of purple she had only heard of from Hermione when the girl told her about Harry's Uncle Vernon.
She had pulled the girl close enough to where she could whisper, "I do believe Ronald is angry about your coming here with me after he asked you."
To which the younger witch replied, "No, he has his nickers in a twist because he proposed right after the battle and I refused him."
With that they started to make their rounds through the group. A hello to the people they saw nearly every day and slightly longer chats with a few of the original order members. However, when they reached Mrs. Weasley they knew they wouldn't be getting a short little chat and so they moved slightly closer to each other and said hello.
"Hermione, it's wonderful to see you! I thought Ron offered to escort you this evening?" asked the matron.
Hermione sighed and then replied, "He did Mrs. Weasley, however, I did not wish to be escorted by him after our falling out."
"Hermione, please don't think I'm a meddling old fool for asking this but, what was your falling out about? Ronald has been very tight lipped about it and it doesn't seem like anyone else knows."
"Molly, I do not believe this is the correct venue for this discussion, perhaps if Hermione is amicable you could come for tea in a fortnight so that you can talk about this," replied Minerva, sincerely hoping to get away sooner rather than later as a certain red haired young man was approaching. Unfortunately, Ron arrived before they could escape back into the crowd.
"Hello Ronald, how have you been?" questioned Hermione as Molly's youngest son came close to their small group.
"Well. Headmistress, would you mind if I stole your companion for a moment? She and I need to have a small… discussion." Minerva swore that this boy was trying to get himself killed speaking like she was something to be possessed.
"Mister Weasley, I do believe that is up to Hermione," said Minerva in reply to the question, looking toward the lovely witch at her side.
"Ronald, I have nothing to say to you. When I made my decision it was final, nonnegotiable, never going to change. Any way you put it Ronald, my answer will be exactly the same as it was eight months ago. Now, if you'll excuse us I would like to dance. Minerva?" she said extending her hand to the headmistress. Minerva took the slightly smaller hand into hers and pulled the witch in purple out to the dance floor.
The small orchestra began to play a melodious song, one that Minerva knew well. As the scaling notes ventured throughout the room, the professor pulled Hermione close, their steps coming together to form a graceful dance. She quickly started to lead Hermione in a simple waltz that rapidly became full of turns and spins as they became more comfortable with the dance. Soon the other pairs on the floor stopped to watch the headmistress and the brains of the golden trio glide smoothly around the room equally shocked by the fact that the strict headmistress was dancing with a pupil and amazed by the grace with which they swept around the room. For the prefects who were attending it was almost inconceivable that McGonagall would ever dance with a student let alone the student be a female.
As the song came to a stop a polite round of applause came from the guests and a piece of enchanted mistletoe popped into the air above them. Muffled gasps and giggles erupted from the people surrounding them. They looked at each other questioningly until Hermione turned her head to look at Ginny who pointed at the spot where the mistletoe was hanging. Hermione tried to pull her hand away from Minerva's shoulder, but found it stuck.
"I'm stuck."
"Someone must have charmed it," said Minerva in a soft voice. Then she said just loud enough for Rolanda to hear, "You're in over your head Rolanda," and leaned in just enough to give a shocked Hermione a quick peck on the cheek. The mistletoe disappeared as the pair broke apart and after a few moments the party got back to normal. Other than Rolanda, she 'left' the party, though there was a rather interesting grey hawk with brilliant yellow eyes in attendance.
Hermione slipped off of the bed and down the stairs to join Minerva for breakfast, taking just an apple for herself. Neither spoke much, both absorbed in the same memory of that rather odd tea they had had with Molly…
"Mrs. Weasley, I honestly have no idea where to start."
"Perhaps the beginning Hermione," suggested the headmistress.
"Well, during our time on the run Harry, Ron, and I all grew closer and during the battle Ronald and I shared a kiss. It was nice, but he thought it meant more than it actually did. That night he…" she paused with a grimace, "he asked me to marry him… and I refused. We just aren't a good match and he, he wants someone like you who wants children and who wants to be at home most of the time. Now I respect that this is the life you want and you like, and I congratulate you on raising six amazing children. I just want other things; I want to work and to teach, I want to do research and get my masteries. In other words we want different things, things that are too different for us to ever work. So now because I decided to save our friendship rather than damn us to resenting each other, he is mad at me."
"Oh, Hermione, I'm so sorry."
Quietly setting her teacup down Hermione replied, "It's okay Mrs. Weasley, I have moved on. I'm in a relationship with someone who I truly believe is the one for me. I'm just sorry that Ronald is being childish about it."
"So," she started, elongating the 'o', "who is your new beaux?"
"Umm, with my fame and the 'golden trio'," Hermione put air quotes around the last part, "update in the paper now we decided that it would be best if our relationship was handled with extreme discretion."
"Oh, so does anyone know? Or just the… two of you?" asked Molly with a little suspicion lacing her voice. Minerva moved her hand to brush against Hermione's under the table as she took a bite out of her ginger newt, silently telling the young woman that it was up her whether or not they should tell their guest.
Hermione sat there for a moment weighing her options carefully. Her two choices were both things she didn't want to do; she could either lie and say no, or she could tell Mrs. Weasley and run the risk of Minerva being reported to the ministry. She silently debated with herself before carefully saying, "Yes, there are people we felt it necessary to tell just so that we could keep it a secret and the entirety of the residents of Hogwarts wouldn't find out. You must understand that as a couple we are in a precarious place if the wrong people find out right now. In a few years when I can stand on my own, completely separate from the Golden Trio nonsense and without my name being tied to anyone else's, I know we will tell you even if it never becomes common knowledge."
Molly wasn't exactly satisfied by the answer but she let it rest.
Hermione's mind automatically went to the next time a major change had happened in their relationship; the night that the terrible nightmare had driven her into Minerva's rooms for the rest of the year.
One deep breath in, a pause, a muttered crucio, the sound of a body writhing against the cold hard ground, a breath out. Inhale, a single cut, then a letter, then a word carved in her forearm's smooth pale skin.
A muffled scream broke into her thoughts. Her love, her poor love was trapped, stuck in the dungeon with her and… Bellatrix Lestrange. She turned her head slowly, the world spinning as her battered cheek touched the cold stone. Silently, she watched a fiery whip brush her love's cheek before Bellatrix pulled it back. She knew what was coming. She waited for the snap, the deafening crack that would announce the new slash in her love.
She watched for what felt like hours as the leather whip bit into Minerva again, and again, and again. She heard screaming but it wasn't Minerva, her lips were closed. She was writhing in pain, her eyes betraying the stoic face she held.
Another crack and then she knew. Minerva was staying strong, trying to help her, spare her from the pain and all she was doing was making it worse. Another fiery lick and everything stopped. Bellatrix, her screams, the sound of abused flesh being smacked by the thin leather. It was peaceful and quiet.
"Avada Kedavra!" a bolt of green... Minerva stopped moving as Hermione was thrown away. She felt more blood dribble down her arm reminding her of the horrible word cut into her limb. Her love was lost…
A terrified screech woke Hermione.
She panicked, searching frantically for her wand, still trapped in the grasp of a warm body. She tried desperately to get away from the body trapped inside the dream. It wasn't until she heard the all too familiar Scottish lilt whispering soothingly in her ear, trying to calm her that she realized it was a dream. Her body immediately relaxed. Her love wasn't dead, she was there. Minerva took her thin body more fully into her arms as her body shook with the force of the emotions flowing through her.
For long minutes they sat there on the dark red, high backed couch; Hermione nestled between Minerva's legs with her back pressed against the older woman's front and Minerva's left hand wrapped protectively around her waist. Minerva gently stroked Hermione's hair as the younger woman calmed down.
"Hermione, what were you dreaming about?" she asked gently.
"Bellatrix."
It was a dream that Hermione had most nights but this was the first time she had had it when she napped. Minerva quietly accepted it and let her sit there. After a few hours of content silence it was curfew for Hermione but Minerva didn't think it was a good idea for Hermione to be alone so she invited her to stay, an invitation Hermione readily accepted.
After they each took a turn in the bath to change they laid down, Minerva spooning her love. With Valentine's Day fast approaching, Minerva knew they wouldn't have much time together because she would be stuck dealing with the same annoying things like seventh years banging in the old corridors. They spent the night fast asleep without nightmares for the first time in years.
Her next memory followed seamlessly…
A few weeks later after spending nearly every night together, Hermione was again in the headmistress's quarters awaiting the older woman. She had gone to her own room planning on changing into her weekend clothes only to find that she had zero undergarments there so, in order to rectify the situation she had searched Minerva's bedroom only to find that the majority of her clothing was there. Her uniforms, her jeans, jumpers, socks, and everything else she needed on a daily basis, hell even her newly updated copy of Hogwarts a history was still in there.
So now she was rereading the book, though there wasn't anything it could tell her that she didn't already know, mostly because all of the changes that had been made to it were due to herself and the boys. She had just reached the part about the rediscovery of Salazar Slytherin's infamous Chamber of Secrets when Minerva walked in. Her love looked a little surprised to see her there but quickly recovered and gave her a peck on the cheek before asking, "What brings you here?"
"Hmm, I believe the fact that almost all of my clothing now resides here has something to with it."
"Oh, well I hope you found what you were looking for. Care to watch a movie after dinner?" At first it had surprised her that Minerva had a T.V., let alone one that worked, though she suspected it was only because the older woman had manipulated the wards to exclude her rooms. Minerva seemed to be unusually comfortable with the muggle world considering she was a pureblood.
"Sure."
Later that evening, Hermione finally posed the question she had had on the tip of her tongue all evening. "Minerva, do you think I should just move into your rooms? I mean I already have the room in the tower to myself so nobody is going to miss me and I already practically live here."
"Well, I suppose that is true. Yes, I do believe you should, but just as a precaution we should leave a few things in your room in the tower."
As they sat on the couch, Minerva's thoughts drifted towards different memories, the first one about Hermione's 'study break'…
"Hermione-"
"Not now love. I have to finish this before we head off to the manor for break," said the younger witch as she scratched away on her parchment.
"Darling, you have been going at it like this for months. You need a break," whispered Minerva in Hermione's ear as her nimble hands gripped the sides of her waist. She leaned farther over the back of the chair to press her lips to the sinewy muscle between her love's shoulder and neck. A low moan escaped Hermione as Minerva's tongue began pressing into her skin, licking the sweet skin. It encouraged Minerva and slowly she opened her lips further and then she gently sank her teeth into the tender flesh.
Squirming, hermione pushed closer to Minerva's mouth, pressing farther into her love. Moans fell from her lips as the teeth pressed more firmly into her. Just as quickly as they appeared they were gone and Hermione was being spun around, ripped from her seat and into Minerva's body. Their lips met in a passion filled clash of warm, wet muscles with mouths already open to the other.
Within moments their embrace forced them to stumble back to the couch, Hermione lying below Minerva as the kisses became more and more frantic. Hands roamed, grasping at clothes as they bared skin, opening the buttons of their shirts.
Fingertips brush against sensitized skin drawing whimpers from someone, though they didn't know who was the one making the arousing noises. Gasping breaths came between frenzied kisses followed by another sensual battle for control.
Soon, too soon in Hermione's opinion, Minerva's lips leave hers as she clambered off.
"Mm, why on earth did you stop?" questioned Hermione as she sat up. Her hair was mussed, lips were parted red and swollen, a light blush on her cheeks, and her shirt hung open bracketing her bra encased breasts.
"Because, we aren't ready to go farther and if I continued we would have." Minerva walked over to the desk on the other side of the room inside of Hermione's small flat in London.
Minerva didn't even have to try to recall the next memory of their first Christmas in the manor…
"Min, Min, wake up it's Christmas!" cried Hermione as she leapt out from under the covers and onto Minerva. She was acting as giddy as most first years during the Halloween feast, a fact which amused Minerva.
"I am well aware of this Hermione. If you get off of me we can go to the living room and exchange our gifts." Hurriedly, Hermione scrambled off the older witch and the bed.
As soon as Minerva was up, Hermione's hand was entangled in hers and she was being dragged down the hall. It took several minutes for the witch who was less than experienced at navigating the winding corridors of the ancient manor to guide them to the sitting room. A little pine reminiscent of one Hermione had seen in a cartoon that had an awfully strange name, Peanuts. Underneath, there was a small mound of presents, some from colleges, others from friends, and a few from each other. Next to the presents sat Millie, Tillie, Lexie, Lexie's husband Twinkie and her babe Christie, Geo (short for Geodery), Twixel and his twin Dixel, the triplets Neff, Depper, and Miffie, and lastly Winky and her babe Dobby Jr.. All thirteen of the free elves had a present beside them and the eleven who were adults held two presents.
All of them had chosen, even after their family's (excluding Winky, Twinkie, and Dobby Jr.) release from servitude four generations before, to continue serving the McGonagall's and were all literate and well spoken. When they arrived, the elves shouted a greeting to them, thoroughly shocking Hermione.
"Hello, I hope you are all having a pleasant Christmas morning?"
"Yes", "Of course", and a number of other responses to that effect followed.
Hermione turned to look at Minerva, a question flowing from brown eyes to green.
"Hermione dear, they all come here every Christmas morning to open their presents from me before they head back to Hogwarts." Minerva sank down to the floor, dragging Hermione with her. With a silent gesture, she told the elves to open their gifts. Tiny hands tore into the gifts pulling out sweaters, hats, and mittens all in different colors.
"Thank you Mistress McGonagall and Miss Hermione," rang out around the room, followed by a small pop. Hermione felt something heavy in her arms. In them lay eleven whimsically wrapped presents.
Only later did she learn that the elves had wanted to give them some alone time for their first Christmas.
Over the last week Minerva and Hermione had made quite a bit of progress in getting Hermione to at least eat small amounts at every meal time, though Minerva knew it would probably take her love many months, if not years, to recover enough to eat as much as was healthy. She watched as Hermione finished the apple in her hand and set down the barren core, silently hoping that she would finish the heavily sugar laden tea that the young woman had taken to drinking morning, noon, and night. It wasn't much but it did help keep her blood sugar from being deathly low.
Minerva was still worried, but from her own previous experiences with young girls and women suffering like Hermione, she knew that Hermione would be well sooner rather than later. However, while she knew that Hermione was healing faster than most, she also knew that this wound would never heal, never be just a scar. It mare her mind forever, just like every death at her own hands. For a time they would stay shut but every once in a while, just often enough to let her never heal all the way, they would burst open and the guilt would threaten to consume her.
Minerva stood, offering her hand Hermione, to her 'Mione, and grasped the younger woman's hand in her own. Hermione looked truly beautiful, she glowed with excitement and joy as she stood next to her lover. Minerva silently apperated them into the campus, just outside of the hall where Hermione and the Minister of Magic would be giving speeches during the actual graduation ceremony, and within moments Hermione was engulfed in a hug from Ginny. The flaming haired Weasley was followed by her fiancé Harry, and the soon to be married Luna and Neville.
"Hermione we are so happy for you, I can't believe you finally did it," squeaked Ginny as she let Hermione go.
"Congrats Hermione, we can't wait for you to get your certificates," said Harry as he pulled Hermione in for a quick embrace.
Luna and Neville both gave their congratulations before Minerva announced that they, at least her and Hermione, needed to get inside. Minerva gently pulled Hermione into the hall and straight to the front where Filius, Pomona, Poppy, and Rolanda were gathered in front of the seats reserved for them right in front of the stage. The group immediately turned to face the pair.
A quick round of greetings was thrown around before the couple walked up onto the stage and to their chairs, Minerva in the center with Hermione to her right and the minister to her left. Kingsley was silent in his greeting, just a simple nod to them both. He was set to speak right after Hermione and he knew she was going to be, as with everything, a hard act to follow. Secretly he was hoping she would stumble, though, with the protective nature McGonagall had with the girl, he would never ever admit it.
After a torturous three hours it was finally time for Hermione's speech, and the headmistress couldn't have been more relieved. Hermione had spent the entire time teasing her in the most arousing and frustrating ways. A gentle brush of her fingers over the side of her torso as she stretched her arms, playing her fingertips over the back of her neck, messing with her preternaturally perfect bun and any other thing she could get away with.
"…and now I give you our valedictorian, Miss Hermione Granger." Applause thundered through the hall as Hermione stood to give her speech, her knees wobbling slightly from the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
"Thank you, everyone… Today, we take our first steps away from school, our professors, and the shelter they provide. The war with Voldemort is drawing to a close and we are rebuilding. We are the generation, the class, that will reconstruct what I know will be a stronger, more stable, more honest ministry. We will be the ones to help breathe new life into a world that is tired. So many of us lost someone to this last war, just as our mothers, fathers, grandparents, great-grandparents, and many others in wars before did. I am not foolish enough to believe that there won't be another war in our world, nor am I saying that Voldemort's supporters will go quietly, but they will fall. Our tomorrow is bright, even if today seems dim, embrace it." Another round of applause roared through the large space. She paused and waited for a few moments before announcing, "And now the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt."
Hermione spun around and sat back down while Kingsley took his position behind the podium, black robes covering his body. His confidence deflated a bit when his applause was far quieter than the clapping Hermione received.
"Thank you for the introduction Miss Granger, I'm pleased to be able to have the opportunity to speak in front of you all. As addressed by Miss Granger, you, the passing students shall be the key to the path in front of us. Together, as a whole, we can push away the thoughts of the dreaded war behind us, and bask in the ultimate glory of our efforts, of bringing all of us together once more. We are a community, we are the people, and we are going to be able to reach the high standing goals we have set before us. We will change with time, we will stand strong, and we will move forward from the great travesty that this war has been."
Again the cheers he got were a bit lackadaisical, but louder than the first ones. It was another agonizing thirty minutes of almost debilitating droning by the Dean before they managed to escape. Hats were still falling as they took in the sight of the sun setting as they walked out, brilliant in its beauty as it sank into the ground, melting into a gorgeous pool of yellows and purples and oranges and blues. A perfect end to a glorious day and start a memorable night.
Hermione pulled the older woman into a secluded area right between two of the buildings.
"Min, this is your chance to let everyone know. This is the opportunity we have been waiting for to tell the rest of the world about, well," she waved her hand in a gesture towards Minerva's body, using wand less magic to make the glamours waver, "this."
"I think you are… right." Quickly, using a swift efficient movement the headmistress removed the spells disguising her appearance.
They strolled together, the members of the order who were there, from the hall over to a hotel owned by a wizard across the street where the reception was being held. Unfortunately as soon as they walked through the doors, around two dozen reporters started mobbing the group. They pushed and shoved, screamed and shouted at the posse until they walked through the invisible barrier.
Hermione had shed her red robes and now wore a beautiful scarlet cocktail dress that clung to every one of her curves. Gold beads were sewn on the hemline, just above her knee, in a breathtakingly intricate pattern. Delicate golden pumps, shiny and high, covered her feet.
Inside lay large round tables covered in white cloth surrounded by black chairs with stunning velvet looking upholstery in various colors that appeared to be changing. At the front of the ball room, just in front of a set of large windows, like at Hogwarts, was an enormous rectangular table with eight seats. Stars sparkled behind the giant panes of glass while the moon gleamed in the blackened sky behind the raised platform that held the table. Nearly every seat was already taken other than the six at the rectangular table and four others down just in front of the platform at another round table.
The group weaved their way to their respective seats, Hermione and Minerva in the center with Filius and Pomona on one side, and Rolanda and Poppy on the other. Harry, Ginny, Neville, and Luna sat down in their seats just in time to see dinner arrive. Lazy Susans loaded with roasted potatoes, juicy prime rib, chicken piled high on platters, gravy boats laden with thick and creamy sauce, sautéed asparagus still steaming, and light salads in gargantuan bowls with multifarious dressings arrived on the tables. The ravenous guests dug in as soon as the food arrived and conversation flowed freely.
"… and then McGonagall fell off the broom. Honestly it was almost identical to the tumble Potter took in his second year, though she didn't end up with no bones in her arm," said Rolanda as she recalled her memory of Minerva playing in the World Cup from when she was a child.
"That fall bloody hurt…" mumbled Minerva as she took another bite of her food, her ire a little raised by the story.
Hermione patted her lover's knee under the table cloth, a knowing look in her eyes as she asked, "Rolanda, is it really true that you used to get caught with another girl every week?"
The blush that spread across Hooch's skin made the comment and the story worth it for Minerva, who very nearly erupted in giggles.
Meanwhile Harry and Ginny were talking about how Ron was doing.
"Harry, he isn't well. He drinks all the time."
"I know Gin, he got kicked out today. The academy decided that he was no longer 'a prime candidate for approval' after his last psych exam."
The whispered conversation came to a close quickly as the plates before them were magically cleaned and Minerva stood to make her speech, making everyone who had questioned if the woman at the table was in fact McGonagall sure that it was her. Gasps and whispers flooded the room as she took her place behind the podium. She drew in two great breaths to calm her nerves before she started speaking, her hands still shaking slightly from the knowledge that every person in the room was looking at her and trying to decipher why she looked so young.
"Hello. It is my pleasure to announce that Miss Hermione Granger will be joining the staff of Hogwarts this coming year as the new transfiguration professor. I have no doubt that she will be a wonderful addition to the staff and that the students will flourish under her care. She will also, at the end of the year take on the role of Head of Gryffindor house. Congratulations Hermione. I believe another congratulations is in order for all of you. To the first of many graduating classes to come, and a hearty congratulations to all of you who have accomplished this tremendous feat. I look forward to watching you all become the great people I know you are capable of becoming."
Hands still shaking she walked to the side and stepped down, striding purposefully towards the door. She opened the door and fled the room, entering a large courtyard. Quickly she glided over to the large fountain, heels clicking on the stones beneath them.
Minerva could see the wand pointed at her in the reflection of the fountain. She knew the person pointing it at her, one of her former students, a person she didn't want to hurt.
"Ronald... don't do this. It won't end in your favor," said Minerva, still looking into the water.
"You old hag, you stole her from me. You stole the woman I wanted!"
"The woman you wanted, she isn't something that can be possessed, and so she cannot be stolen. No matter what the firewhisky makes you think."
The wand started to move but before a single spell could be cast by the drunken Weasley he was thrown back, away from the woman.
"Bloody fucking bitch! You knew I wanted her, you knew!" he cried in outrage from his new position on the ground, trying to get his uncoordinated limbs to make him stand. Minerva could smell the alcohol on him from her position nearly ten feet away.
Minerva truly pitied the poor lad, he lost his brother only to lose the woman he 'wanted' a mere five hours later. However, her pity only went so far.
Finally the boy managed to make his way into a standing position, his wand still pointed at her back. This time she let him try, she gave him a chance to hit her. Bending into almost inconceivable positions she twisted through the air, landing with a muffled click on the other side of the shimmering fountain. Slightly dazed by the unnatural display of agility, Ron blinked and stumbled back.
Minerva pulled the thin ebony stick that was her wand from the depths of her robes, ready to strike back at any moment. She didn't have to wait long before a jet of red was whizzing towards her, from the tip of Ron's wand. Gracefully, she side tried to avoid the sloppy spell, firing a stunner of her own as part of his crashed into the tree just behind her snapping it in two with a loud crack and the other rushed towards her body…
Hermione had gone down to mingle with her friends when the tables and chairs had dissipated seconds after her love had fled. Her friends gathered around her trying to reassure her that Minerva was fine and just needed a moment to compose herself.
"… she'll be back in a few minutes. I'm sure of it."
"Yeh, just relax 'Mione. Nothing ba-". His words were cut off by a thundering crack.
Without even a second's thought Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna dashed for the door, pushing through just in time to see Ronald be blasted back into the wall and Minerva fall into the land of unconsciousness. Hermione didn't spare Ron a glance as she ran toward her love, too slowly in her mind due to the constricting dress and high heels she wore. She fell to her knees at the ebony haired witch's side, cradling her head against her chest and pressing soft kisses to the dark tresses.
After nearly twenty minutes she saw the slightest of flutters in the older woman's eyelids, a meager twitch that assured her that Minerva was alright.
A small, gravelly whisper came from her lover, calling her name. It was like Hermione's heart finally started to beat again and the breath it had seemed like she was holding let out. Tears of joy slid down her cheeks as she pulled the other woman into a tight hug, their chests crushed together, cheeks pressed together, arms wrapped firmly around each other, and their hands grasping at the fabric covering their bodies in an attempt to pull them closer together.
Minerva could hear the other people surrounding them, unwilling to face them she apperated them to their bed. The soft comforter underneath them was welcomed by Hermione.
"Marry me, Hermione?" whispered Minerva as she guided Hermione to lie down. She shifted her robes so that she could straddle her lover's waist, pulling the box from her pocket. Hermione gasped as the golden band came into view, a circle of diamonds cushioning a single glimmering ruby.
Hermione struggled for breath as she took it all in, shock encompassing her. Suddenly she surged up and took Minerva's lips with her own mumbling, "Yes, a million times yes," into the kiss.
Six months later, in mid-December as the snow reached knee high, Hermione and Minerva left the castle and entered Hogsmeade. They walked briskly into the Three Broomsticks greeting the other guests warmly before taking their places, Minerva in the front where she would be officiating and Hermione with the bride. As the soft swells of music floated out Harry and Ginny started down the stairs. Ginny in a beautiful, flowing, Grecian, Ravenclaw blue sheath that trailed the ground with a shimmering metallic, braided belt that switched between gold and bronze, and Harry in a set of dark black dress robes that resembled a muggle tux with a pocket square that matched the belt of Ginny's dress. They were linked, arm in arm as they glided down the stairs and the aisle, until they reached the end and separated. Ginny moved to the left and Harry to the right, behind Neville, whom he matched.
The second swell came and Hermione and Luna started down the steps. Hermione was dressed in a muggle woman's menswear suit in a deep navy with matte gold pumps just below the end of her tapered trousers and a crisp, shiny cream oxford underneath. On her arm was Luna, who was radiant. Her pale honey hair was swept over her shoulder in luscious curls, her eyes were surrounded with lengthy blackened lashes, her arms were covered in delicate satiny material with cerulean beading weaving winding vines and flowers up her arms, her torso was cloaked in the same white fabric leading to the sky blue circle clinched at the smallest part of her waist, and her legs were invisible under the long ball gown style skirt.
As they reached Neville and Hermione handed him his bride, brown eyes met their matches green.
The ceremony was perfect for the couple and the reception had been a blast, but as the clock struck midnight they apperated to their hotel in France where they would have their honeymoon.
"Ron is doing a stint in St. Mungo's to detox him before his sentencing."
"Really, they actually managed to finally apprehend him?"
"Yes, his tenure on the run was quite impressive though..." Minerva had been listening carefully to the men's conversation and was not at all surprised to hear that Ronald's arrest was common knowledge.
"Hermione," intoned Minerva softly as Hermione's eyes closed and the younger woman started to lean heavily on her. "I think it's time to go back to the castle." Hermione responded with a sleepy nod and Minerva pulled her up so that they could say their goodbyes. Using her exemption as headmistress, Minerva apperated them into her rooms. Hermione stripped down, with Minerva's help, to her panties before crawling under the covers and her lover joined her a few moments later, equally as bare. Hermione turned on her side and Minerva moved in to spoon her, an arm slung over her lover's waist and fingers spread on her tummy. It was then, at that very moment with Hermione's back pressed against her front, that Minerva realized that her life was the life she had always wanted, whether it was perfect or not.o