AN: Well here it is... evil laugh. Thanks for the support. Y'all r' great. Thank you Butterfly, you are my inspiration.
PAINT PARTY PART II
Minerva McGonagall silently led Jean Granger to the guest parlor just a few doors up from where the rest of the group were waiting for... an explosion, a hex, harsh words... anything.
Entering the well appointed room, she indicated Jean should please sit in one of the elegant stiff backed chairs decorating the space. Jean gracefully settled in a chair. Her deep brown eyes following her daughter as she daintily sat next to the older woman. There was something there. She could see it. Her gaze moved from the beautiful features of her daughter to the striking features of the handsome woman beside her. Most spectacular were Minerva's clear emerald green eyes which never left her face. Jean was silent for several moments. Hermione began to twitch. Minerva did not. She was locked in silent combat with Jean Granger and she dare not flinch.
It was Jean Granger who broke the uncomfortable silence. "Do you love my daughter?" Minerva was startled. She stared and did not blink. "Yes I do." She said quietly, her voice with just a hint of steel in it. Jean frowned, Minerva was on the defensive. "How long?" She questioned. Minerva sighed, "Forever." Hermione gazed at her fiance, adoration oozing from her pores. Jean took this in, her hard gaze fastening itself on the emerald ice staring back at her. She decided to get to the heart of the matter, "Have you ever touched my daughter illegally?" Minerva raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparking, "Illegally? According to who's law?" Jean's gaze hardened even more at Minerva's seemingly haughty reply, "The age of consent is seventeen in the United Kingdom." Minerva shook her head, "No. I never touched Hermione illegally." Taking a deep breath Jean asked another deeply personal question, "Did you ever have sex with my daughter while she was at school?" Hermione's mouth fell open, "Mum!" Minerva swallowed her anger at this highly personal question. She gazed at Hermione, her eyes asking the unspoken question, "Should I tell her?" Hermione nodded her head in ascent. Minerva took a deep breath and replied honestly, "Yes. Once." Seeing Hermione's mother's eyes darken with rage, she quickly added, "It was on a Saturday and technically school was NOT in session." Hermione smiled softly at her love, remembering the day Crookshanks had escorted her to Minerva's quarters and the sweet, passionate loving that had taken place.
Jean nodded, her dark eyes resting on her daughter. "Do you love Minerva?" Hermione nodded, her chocolate brown eyes full of love for the woman beside her, "Yes mum, I do." Jean leaned back and pinned Minerva a dark expression, "I have issues with a teacher being involved with a student." To her surprise, Minerva nodded, "So do I." Minerva decided to open up. This was the only way she was going to reach this woman.
Crossing one long elegant leg over the other, Minerva relaxed her posture. "Believe me Mrs. Granger the last thing I ever planned to do was get romantically involved with a student under my charge. It goes against every belief I hold dear. Everything I was ever taught." Jean nodded narrowing her eyes, "So why did you?" She looked again at her daughter, her sweet, sweet daughter. The bushy haired buck toothed bookworm who'd grown into the magically beautiful young woman before her. Where had the time gone? When had she lost touch with this lovely creature she brought into the world? Tears welled up in her eyes. Minerva stared at Jean... stunned.
Clearing her throat, Minerva continued, "How could I not?" She turned her gaze to the woman who would be her wife. "Hermione is everything to me. She is my life. She clutches my fragile heart in her small hands with reverence. She fills the emptiness that has clung to my soul these long lonely years. Hermione brings laughter, joy and deep love to our relationship. She is my sunrise and my sunset." Hermione listened to Minerva's heartfelt words. Joy permiating her soul. To hear her love say these things was precious and priceless. She would treasure this moment for all time.
Jean listened to Minerva's eloquent words. There was no deception here. This woman dearly loved her little girl. Well, not so little anymore. She knew Minerva was sincere and she dare not keep this up much longer. "I have just one more thing to ask of you..." Minerva's eyes held the wisdom of the ages and yet... trepidation. Jean leaned forward, "Do you promise to love my daughter with your whole heart? Minerva nodded solemnly, "I already do... All I want to do is make her happy." Jean nodded, "I thought as much... Do you promise to protect her, treasure her and never disrespect her?" Minerva nodded fiercely. "I do." Hermione stared at her mother. Was she voicing her approval? She couldn't be sure. Jean took a long, deep breath, "Then I have no problem with you being my daughter's paramour." Minerva smiled for the first time during the converstion. It lit up the whole room. Jean smiled back. This was a good woman. She would never bring harm to her daughter. Minerva reached out for Jean's hand. Gracefully, the older witch slid to the floor. Balancing on one knee, she looked into Jean Granger's eyes and asked, "May I have your permission to marry your daughter?"
Hermione burst into tears.
Jean's eyes flooded as tears rolled down her cheeks. She pulled her hand from Minerva's and raised it to the older woman's finely chisled cheek. Using her other hand, she pulled her daughter down to the floor to rest next to Minerva. She caressed her daughter's soft cheek with one hand and Minerva's with the other. "Take care of each other. You have a love that is strong and true. I see it in the way you look at each other. In the way you're NOT touching each other. I see it..." She pulled them close, into a comforting embrace. Minerva gently wrapped one arm around Jean and the other around Hermione. Hermione flung herself into the two women who meant everything to her. One who brought her into life and one who will walk by her side through it. Tears flowed all around. "Yes you may marry my daughter." Jean Granger whispered in Minerva McGonagall's ear.
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Angus peeked out the door looking for his cousin. He dared not venture out to eavesdrop. His mother's were watching the door to the guest parlor. It was closed. He silently gestured to his mothers "Well?" Fiona shook her head "No." "Bloody hell." He mumbled and floated back into the living room. He silently shook his head as the others looked to him. "Nothing." He groaned floating aimlessly back and forth.
Arthur sat next to Albus. "I have a question for you Professor." Albus nodded curiously. The others looked over in interest, including the ghost. "Is Hermione related to Merlin?" Dumbledore laughed, "You're finally catching on my boy!" He patted Arthur on the back. Molly's mouth fell open, "Really? How?" Dawn knelt down next to him, "Me too Santa?" Albus grinned at the young woman who insisted on calling him Santa. Nodding, he said, "Indirectly." He touched a finger to Dawn's nose, "Your mother's grandmother was a witch. Her name was Sarah Griffin." Harry's eyes widened, "Griffen? As in Gryfindor?" Dumbledore nodded, "One and the same. The Griffen's were known as Gryfindor's up until about five hundred years ago. There was a family struggle of some kind and one of Godric Gryfindor's great-great grandson's left the family. No one really knows what the spat was about. I suppose it really doesn't matter now except that the young man changed his name to Griffen and moved to Germany. That was the family's saving grace because not too long after that the Gryfindor family all but disappeared. Only Minerva's side remained. One of Godric Gryfindor's daughters married a McGonagall. That's how Minerva is related to Merlin. Godric Gryfindor was his grandson." Dawn eyes widened, "So Minerva and Hermione are related? Ewwww!" Dumbledore laughed, "Not closely enough for it to matter. What matters most is that two branches of the same family will finally be reunited after five hundred years." There was silence in the room. Even Angus was quiet. Stunned at this revelation.
"Wow." Ron muttered. He scratched his head, "So any children 'Mione and the Professor might have together will be really special?" Dumbledore nodded, his expression serious, "This information will have to be closely guarded you all realize?" Everyone nodded. The older wizard continued, "Minerva and Hermione's children would be exceptionally powerful and incredibly gifted. They would need to be guided by the right people to channel that power into the right places. If those children were taught by the wrong sort, imagine the consequences? Imagine someone like Tom Riddle teaching McGonagall Junior?" Molly gasped, "Oh my God." Dumbledore nodded, "See what I mean?" Ginny frowned, "Is that why they have a bonding?" Dumbledore nodded again, "Merlin's blood cannot be denied. It was inevitable. The only twist is that two women are involved." Dumbledore's sky blue eyes filled with glee, "I can imagine Merlin scratching his beard in puzzlement over that one." Everyone laughed.
Dawn frowned, "So why don't I have magic?" Dumbledore stroked her hair gently, "Because you, my dear, and your mother are what we call squibs." Dawn looked disgusted, "Squids? Ewwww!" Dumbledore chuckled, "No sweetie, S-Q-U-I-B-S."
"Oh. What's that?"
The older wizard smiled, "Well, that's someone who has magical blood, but no magic." Dawn frowned, "Well phooey." Molly laughed and leaned over the young woman. Kissing her on the top of her head, she said, "That doesn't make you any less precious." Ron beamed at his mother's gesture. Smiling fondly at his girlfriend, he leaned over and whispered, "You have your own kind of magic." Dawn blushed at his reference. Dumbledore and Molly both snickered and winked.
Arthur gazed at Dumbledore fondly. The old schemer had to have known about Hermione from the moment she was born. The elderly wizard fastened his twinkling sky blue eyes on the red haired man. There was a knowing smile on his wizened face. Shaking his head, "Then you must've known about Hermione from the day she was born."
"Known about me for what?"
Everyone glanced over to the double doors to see Hermione standing with her mother on one side and Minerva on the other. The young woman had her hands on her shapely hips waiting for Dumbledore's reply. The old man cleared his throat. Minerva was going to be irked at him for not sharing this information with her. He didn't because he didn't want anything coloring the natural events as they unfolded surrounding the growing attraction between professor and student. Between predestined bondmates. Dawn grinned impishly, "That you are related to Merlin my dear sister." Dumbledore gently poked the young woman in the ribs, "I was supposed to say that." Dawn shrugged and stuck her tongue out at him. Dumbledore scrunched his face up at her and returned the gesture.
"Cheeky brat."
Dawn turned her attention to her future big sister. She raised an ornery eyebrow and replied with a single word, "Stick." She was referring to Minerva's slim physique. Jean Granger frowned at her daughter's perceived disrespectful comments, "Young lady behave!" Dumbledore rose and moved closer to the three women, "It's alright. Young Dawn is like an invigorating breath of fresh air." He winked and added, "She'll certainly keep young Ron on his toes." Together they chuckled softly. Hermione touched his arm, "How am I related to Merlin?" Dumbledore placed a comforting arm around her shoulders and looked up into Minerva's clear emerald eyes. "Her great-grandmother was a Griffin." Surprise made itself plainly across the older witch's lovely features. Jean nodded, "Sarah Griffin was my grandmother." Her dark eyes took on a far away expression as she remembered her childhood, "Grandma Sarah was always nice to me. She had an air about her like eveything was going to be O.K., all you had to do was drink her hot chocolate." She grinned and reached into her daughter's thick, unruly hair. "You have her hair... and we both have her eyes." Hermione smiled radiantly. All her life, she always felt different. Now she knew why. Now she had her validation. She DID belong to the wizarding world. As if reading her thoughts, Minerva touched Hermione's shoulder. That simple gesture was enough to dislodge The young witch from Dumbledore's arms. She flung herself into Minerva's. For the first time, the lover's held each other in front of their extended family.
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A loud sniffle brought everyone out of the spell they seemed to be under. Molly Weasley stood by the floo with tears running unchecked down her face. Hermione and Minerva looked over at her, Hermione's eyes softened, Minerva's, however told a different story. There was a storm brewing there and Molly saw it. So did Dumbledore. "Now Minerva..." He began. Minerva silenced him with one look. She pierced Molly Weasley with a hardened glare. The other woman took a step back knowing her time of reckoning had come. "Minerva..." She whispered, her heart beginning to pound. The older witch took a step closer. Molly backed up another step, "Please.. forgive me?" She asked quietly.
"I AM NOT A DEVIANT MOLLY WEASLEY!" Minerva McGonagall thundered, startling everyone with the vehemence in her voice. "I AM NOT A PEDOPHILE EITHER!" Came another rant. Minerva ground her teeth, "How dare you suggest such a disgusting thing!"
All the portraits gathered in a still life above the floo. Watching wide eyed as their relative verbally tore the hide off Molly Weasley. Angus, mouth hanging open hovered near the door. Ready to make a quick escape if necessary. Albus stood dumbstruck as his best friend let loose her anger and hurt at Molly.
"How could you ever think such vile things about me?" Minerva's voice broke, betraying the deep hurt she felt, Her bottom lip trembled and her proud shoulders slumped. Tears pooled in saddened emerald eyes. Hermione stepped up behind her fiance, gently stroking her back, "Shhhh." She soothed. Minerva turned to the young witch. Defeat flowing from her very being. Hermione's eyes filled. She pulled Minerva into a comforting embrace, shooting a glare over her love's shoulder. Molly sank to the hearth, "I am so, so sorry." She whispered burying her face in her hands as the tears came. Arthur moved to his wife's side to offer comfort. He was of the opinion that his wife really did deserve a pile of dragon dung on her head.
Jean Granger's heart melted as she saw how deeply hurt Minerva was at whatever Molly had said about her. She realized that the formidable witch considered the people crowded in this room to be her family. She felt proud to be considered part of that family. She watched as her younger daughter moved to Hermione and Minerva.
Dawn patted her new big sister on the shoulder, "Aw come on Stick... It'll be O.K." Hermione smiled at her sister's attempt at cheer. She felt Minerva relax a bit in her arms. The older witch pulled her head from Hermione's shoulder and muttered, "Cheeky Brat."
Ron grinned at Dawn. If anything, he fell more in love with her. She was just what he needed to feel complete. He hoped that he was what Dawn needed too.
Harry pulled Ginny into his arms. Tears with sliding down the pretty red head's softly rounded cheeks. She knew her mother deserved what she got, but it wasn't easy to see or hear. Especially what it did to Professor McGonagall to say it.
Molly rose from the hearth and moved to face her dear friend. She couldn't believe that she could have been as venomous as she was. She thought she was defending Hermione and had no idea about the old magic that was swirling around them. "Please forgive me Minerva. I am so very, very sorry." Her mournful blue eyes fastened on thoughtful chocolate, "Hermione, I really had no idea. I'm sorry." Minerva snorted angrily, turned and strode out the door without a word. Molly looked totally crestfallen. Hermione shook her head sadly, "You really hurt her... badly." Molly nodded miserably, "How can I fix this?" Dumbledore moved to her side, "Give her time to cool off. You said some pretty harsh things." There was a bit of reproach in the timber of his voice.
Hermione looked to Ron and Harry. "Do you think you guys can get the paint down to the dock?" She gazed out the window, "I don't think we're going to get much done today, the sun is going down." She scratched her nose, "Oh yeah, and you can't use magic to get it down there. You're going to have to carry it." Ron groaned, "Ah bloody hell." Dawn laughed, "Aw come on Red, let's see some of those impressive muscles." Harry laughed as Ron blushed crimson. Ginny moved to join them, "I'll help." Arthur threw his wife a small smile and said, "We'll help too." Hermione led them out to the entry hall where Arthur had left the cart of paint. She gazed up at the ceiling looking for... "Angus? Can I borrow you?" The ghost in question soared out of the enchanted ceiling he'd been backstroking through and down to Hermione. "What 'cha need?" Hermione smiled, her dark eyes twinkled, "Can you show them where to put the paint down at the dock?" The ghost nodded happily. Glad to be given a task. As the group made their way out the main doors, "Hermione yelled, "Remember... No magic!"
As the grand mahogany doors slammed closed, Hermione turned to find Dumbledore and her mother standing there. With her hands on her hips, she asked, "Professor, do you mind asking Izer and Livvy to set up dinner for everyone? I'm thinking it would probably be best for everyone to stay the night." Dumbledore nodded and grinned brightly at her. "What?" She asked, puzzled. Albus winked at Jean and said, "You certainly sound like the Lady of the Manor." The portraits chimed in...
"Here here!"
"Sounds like it to me too."
"Aye she does."
"Minnie chose well."
"Bloody hell Fiona, she's worse than you!"
"Oh Hush!"
Dumbledore strode down the main hall, under the grand staircase to the kitchen, disappearing around a corner. That left mother and daughter alone. Jean gazed at her surroundings awestruck. This truely was a grand manor. Minerva was extremely well off. She knew now that the older witch would definately provide a loving environment for not only Hermione, but Dawn as well should the need arrive. She felt content in this. "Where did Minerva go?" Hermione frowned, "I'm not sure. Give me a moment..." She closed her eyes and threw back her head, reaching... inward and outward at the same time. Sensing, feeling out for her mate... She felt a ripple in her emotions. "She's in the gardens... behind the kitchen." Jean gazed at her daughter in wonder. "I'm going to her." Hermione muttered, heading in the same direction Dumbledore had gone just moments ago. Jean watched her daughter's disappearing form, "You truely ARE the Lady of the Manor." She whispered proudly.
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Hermione stepped out the rear entry of the house into the kitchen gardens. Beautifully tended beds of herbs and vegetables interspersed with beds of fragrant flowers covered an acres wide area. A small elf wearing a tartan cloth fashioned into a pair of stylish shorts was tending some tomato plants. He wore a tiny straw hat to keep the sun from burning his bald head. "Hello?" Hermione ventured. The small creature glanced up. "Oh yous must be the Miss?" There was an odd lilt to his squeaky voice. Grinning madly, Hermione realized she had just met her first gay elf, "Are you Igon?" The tiny creature nodded happily. The young witch waved her hands around the vast garden, "This is very beautiful." The little elf blushed crimson, "I's thanks the Miss." Kneeling to bring herself eyeball to eyeball with the small creature, Hermione asked, "Have you seen the Mistress?" Igon nodded sadly, "She comes a snifflin' past Igon to the gazebo down the path." He indicated a flagstone path that weaved it's way around and between the raised planting beds. "Just follows the path." Igon encouraged as he stepped back to his beloved tomatoes.
Hermione followed the path. It truely was a lovely garden. A wonderland. She was glad Minerva grew up with this. It would be a wonderful place to raise children... "Oh my!" She thought, "Listen to me. I'm not married to the woman yet, and here I am thinking about having her babies.." She blushed to herself. Up ahead, she could see the gazebo Igon told her about. And sure enough, there was her fiance. Sitting in a deck chair, dejectedly staring out at the manicured back lawns of the manor. Hermione felt her heart break at the miserable sight before her.
Minerva looked up to see her fiance approaching. Her emerald eyes still held a touch of the storm from earlier. "How did you find me?" She asked, curious as to how Hermione could find her so easily. Hermione smiled gently, her eyes warm and comforting. Minerva felt her heart swell. "I looked inward and saw outward." The young witch said as she settled into the empty deck chair next to Minerva. Mystified, Minerva could only stare at her love. Hermione turned on the cheshire cat grin and Minerva melted. "I used our bond. I can sense you." Minerva was surprised. She hadn't thought about using the magic swirling around them. She thought it would settle down after they were wed. She never thought of using it as a tool. "Merlin Hermione, you are so bloody brilliant! It's frightening some times." The young witch blushed at the compliment from her intended. Placing a hand on Minerva's knee, she asked, "Are you O.K.?" The older witch sighed and ran a hand over her lovely face, "It hurts to think Molly Weasley would say such vile things." Hermione scratched her nose thoughtfully, "I don't think she really meant them. I think she was just being Molly. Being impulsive." Minerva gave a frustrated grunt, "I know." Hermione shook her head, "I don't think you do." Minerva raised her piercing gaze to her fiance's face. Hermione smiled, "You can give me that "Professor McGonagall" look all you want. Molly has two types of manners. Formal for people like you and everyday for the rest of us. You got a dose of everyday manners." Minerva raised an inquisitive eyebrow, "Oh?" Hermione nodded and added, "I think that says more for just how she feels about you. You are family, so you got a dose of everyday Molly." Minerva's face took on an intersting expression. Part curiousity, part imp, part professor and all Minerva. "Oh really. Well in that case..." She raised her wand and flicked in the air just so... saying, "Bitacaca!"
In the distance, the lover's heard Molly Weasley's distinct scream, "Ahhhh! There's dragon dung on my head!"
-to be continued
AN: Ahhhh sweet revenge. Don't 'cha jus' luv it? More to come...