Chapter 10
The Great Hall was resplendent, bedecked for the winter holidays with twelve extremely large Christmas trees adorned with eye-catching ornaments and sparkly white lights. Hermione had helped with the placement of the decorations, along with Minerva, several other professors, and the house prefects. At Minerva's nod the plates filled with the Christmas feast—turkey, potatoes, chipolatas, and mountains of other mouth-watering dishes. Since not many students had chosen to remain at Hogwarts during the holiday break, the house tables had been placed aside, and two large tables had been set up for the students to sit in the middle of the hall. Those in attendance dug into their dishes with gusto as light-hearted conversations traveled across the large room.
Sliding her eyes to her left, Hermione was caught in a warm gaze. She let the warmth flow through her as she smiled. In a few hours they would leave for the Manor. Two glorious weeks together. Hermione was not naïve enough to believe that their vacation would be work-free, but it didn't matter. Over the last few weeks they had begun to seek each other out whenever possible, alternating whose rooms they shared, working side by side. They hadn't spent so much time together since the summer when Hermione had been studying for her N.E.W.T.s. Best of all, at the end of each evening they would intertwine their bodies and sleep blissfully into the new day.
Although they had not made love yet, Hermione suspected that tonight would be the night. Her desire to uncover every inch of Minerva's body, to determine what brought the most pleasure to her love, had been nearly overwhelming at times. More than that though, she wanted Minerva to always know how revered and cherished she was.
Hermione loved to run her fingers through Minerva's raven locks. Only she had this privilege—only she saw Minerva with her eyes closed, her face reflecting contentment during those moments. Only she could carefully trace with her finger each facet that created Minerva's incredible face. Only she could hold those dexterous hands, hands that had cast countless spells over the years to protect others. Hermione never forgot how fortunate she was or how grateful she felt for every moment Minerva blessed her life with her significant presence.
"Are you staying here for the duration of winter break?" Professor Flitwick—Filius, Hermione chided herself (we are colleagues, after all)—asked.
Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. She and Minerva had not discussed how to answer such a question. Although Minerva claimed to not care if others knew of their relationship, Hermione could not help but wonder. The choice of how to answer the question was taken from her, though, as Minerva leaned across Hermione and answered, "She is staying with me at the Manor, Filius."
His eyes flickered from Minerva to Hermione several times as a look of wonder crossed his face. "Really?" he said slowly in an impressed voice. He refocused on Hermione. "That is amazing. I cannot recall the last time Minerva entertained guests in her family home."
"Oh, really, Filius! Surely you are exaggerating," Minerva scoffed.
"No, no. I certainly am not." He stared at Hermione. "I have never been invited there; I can tell you that." He grinned. "If it weren't for the stories floating around about the mystical McGonagall Manor up in the Scottish Highlands, I might think that she lived and breathed Hogwarts every day." He stared at Hermione for a few more moments before leaning in. "Apparently, that is no longer true," he whispered into Hermione's ear. Fighting a blush, Hermione looked out over the hall, watching a trio of Gryffindors laughing together.
Hermione smiled, remembering when that was she and Harry and Ron. Her smile faded. So much had occurred since then. She had not been present for the Christmas Feast since the year of the Triwizard Tournament four years ago. Even then Ron had been ruled by his emotions, picking a fight with her on the night of the Yule Ball. She sighed, her memories bittersweet.
A hand covering hers took her out of her melancholy thoughts. Minerva squeezed it and asked in a low voice, "All right?" Hermione nodded as she turned her head toward the older witch. She gasped when she realized just how close Minerva was, her face merely inches away from her own. She was pinned by a look that morphed from concerned to heated in the blink of an eye. Arousal coursed through Hermione as her breathing sped up. Minerva must have seen the effect she was having on Hermione, for she let go of her hand and quickly stood up.
"I have some details to attend to before we leave. We will depart at four, if that is agreeable," Minerva said. Nodding her consent, Hermione watched as the venerable witch exited.
"It seems you have done what no other has accomplished in all the years I have known her," Filius mused. Hermione's expression vocalized her question, and he nodded toward where Minerva had been sitting. "You have gotten behind her barriers, Hermione. She is smitten, I dare say."
"Oh, well, haven't you known her for quite a while?" Hermione asked, confused.
"Yes—for decades, but I have never seen her like this," Filius said with a knowing smile.
Shaking her head with disbelief, Hermione said, "Surely that is not true. She was married…"
"To a very good man," Filius agreed. "But theirs was a comfortable, soothing relationship. Although it is quite apparent that you also provide those qualities, there is an energy between you, a heightened sense of awareness and tension that binds the two of you together quite differently. The air vibrates around you." He patted her arm. "I am happy for you both, Hermione."
"Thank you," Hermione said, shocked by just how observant he was. She wondered whether anyone else had picked up on their progressing romance. They hadn't exactly tried to hide it; they just tried not to show affection in public for the sake of appearing professional. They certainly did not need students, or their parents for that matter, speculating about their relationship.
After finishing her meal, Hermione returned to her rooms to pack. She pulled out the already-wrapped presents she intended to give Minerva tonight. The first was a quill pen created from one of her phoenix feathers. She had placed an enchantment on it so that the ink would never run dry. Such quills were rare since there were not many phoenixes in existence. She hoped Minerva would not mind that she had used one of her own feathers. Hermione felt a bit tacky presenting a handmade gift to Minerva on their first Christmas together as a couple, but she pushed aside such insecurities.
The next two gifts were intricate platinum and gold brooches. Hermione knew that Minerva often wore brooches to fasten her robes. Minerva was proud of her heritage, and Hermione hoped she would enjoy the two designs she had chosen: a Celtic knot and a Rampant Lion. None of these presents were particularly romantic, but Hermione was wearing her last present underneath her outer robes: a blood-red, silk negligée. She was hoping that they would spend some quality time together at the Manor sooner rather than later. Hermione ached for the older woman.
During the past week, they had worked feverishly to finish their work and clear their schedules. That had prevented much in the way of conversation. During that time Hermione had worked on her lessons for the next term. For the most part, she enjoyed teaching. It kept her skills sharp, and she liked knowing that she was molding young minds, helping them to expand and harness their budding skills. She must be doing something right: her students showed a reverence and respect to her that she gladly accepted.
Ron and Harry would be happy to feast on the chocolate frogs and fizzing whizbees she had received as holiday gifts from her students. Hermione would be keeping the licorice wands, though, since those were by far her favorite treat.
Packing the rest of her clothes, Hermione noted the time and decided to head over to Minerva's rooms. It was early, but she could always read while Minerva finished her preparations. She murmured, "Diminuendo," as she directed her wand at her suitcase and tucked its small form into the pocket of her robes.
After nodding to several students on her way to the Headmistress's rooms, she arrived. Knocking once in warning, Hermione entered what had become virtually her second home. Her eyes flitted around the room, landing on Minerva's welcoming smile.
"I hope you don't mind that I came early," Hermione began as she walked toward Minerva. She was unable to say more as she found herself pulled into a searing kiss. When it broke, Hermione rested her head against Minerva's shoulder.
"I am glad you are here, Hermione. You must know you are welcome at any time, even if I am not present," Minerva said softly, her breath tickling Hermione's ear. Hermione felt Minerva's arms tightening around her. "Are you ready, mo Gràdh?"
"Yes," Hermione replied breathlessly. She pulled back to gaze into striking emerald eyes, taking the time to run her fingers through Minerva's loose bun, pulling the hair out so that it flowed over strong shoulders. Gone was Minerva's signature black hat that she wore during school hours. Many times Hermione had taken it off beloved raven tresses before loosening the bun and running her fingers through the thick hair again and again.
Hermione smiled as Minerva's eyes fluttered closed, a sigh of contentment breaking the sexual tension prevalent just moments before. She kissed the underside of Minerva's jaw lovingly before sliding her hands down Minerva's arms, capturing elegant hands in hers and squeezing gently. They shared a smile before Minerva stepped away to gather her belongings and the port-key.
In the blink of an eye they stood before the gate in front of McGonagall Manor. The wind blew strongly, slicing through Hermione's outer robes, and she shivered. They hurried up the walkway toward Elsa, who stood before the open front door. Stepping inside the Manor, Hermione felt warmth infuse her, chasing away the momentary chill caused by the weather.
After greeting Elsa and confirming that dinner would be at eight, Minerva murmured to Hermione, "This way." Hermione shivered at the lilt in Minerva's voice and followed silently. The air thrummed between them, and Hermione trembled with anticipation. Minerva took her hand as they ascended the grand staircase and made their way toward the master bedroom. Hermione's nights would be spent in Minerva's arms.
As soon as they crossed the threshold, Hermione found herself embraced, receiving a kiss that left her on fire. Hermione returned the hungry kisses, not holding back as passion consumed her. She pulled at Minerva's robes, tempted to banish them altogether. Such impetuousness might backfire, however, particularly if Minerva did not wish to be exposed so quickly.
Even as her tongue rubbed against Minerva's, she felt her insecurities get the better of her. Could she please Minerva? Would she be disappointed with Hermione? That would be so mortifying! All she wanted was to satisfy Minerva and make her feel loved, desired, special. Hermione had strong doubts as to whether she could accomplish such objectives through touch, though.
"What is troubling you?" Minerva asked as she pulled Hermione closer and rubbed her back soothingly.
Hermione felt heat fill her cheeks as she struggled with herself. She did not want to admit to her insecurities. Her inexperience was embarrassing—at least, at this moment. She was not ashamed that she was still a virgin, but now that she was about to give herself to Minerva, she wanted it to be pleasurable, something Minerva would enjoy. How could she admit this to her?
"Hermione, surely you must have realized that I have not been with anyone for a long time. You are not the only one who is nervous. Yet, when we are together, I become lost in the feel of your body, the taste of your skin, and I know that as long as I concentrate on you instead of my own insecurities, I will be able to relate how much I love you through my touch."
Pulling away to stare into Minerva's eyes, she saw honesty and love. "I…I did some research—"
"Research?" Minerva echoed, her eyebrows rising dramatically.
"Well, so that I would be familiar with what might please you. I just, I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't do anything you found unwelcome…" Hermione trailed off at the incredulous look on Minerva's face.
"You researched having sex in preparation of being with me?" Minerva asked.
"Um, yes. But it wasn't like I was looking at pornography—" She was interrupted by a hard kiss as hands cupped her cheeks to keep her face in place. Hermione became lost in the sensation of Minerva's tongue plundering her mouth repeatedly. By the time Minerva pulled back, Hermione's body was pulsing with need, and she groaned at the loss of that talented mouth.
"I can hardly believe you, Hermione!" Minerva exclaimed, a smile spreading across her angular face as her eyes shined with emotion. She shook her head, looking at Hermione with an expression of amazement. Hermione smiled in return, glad Minerva was not angry. "It should not surprise me in the least. You always seek knowledge when you lack experience. But, my dear," Minerva touched Hermione's cheek gently, "you needn't have gone to such trouble. Surely you have noticed how you affect me?" Hermione nodded. "Good. Now, I think we are overdressed for what we are both wanting so much."
Hermione stood still as Minerva nimble fingers gently removed her robes. She straightened her stance as she noted Minerva's passion-glazed look once her negligée was revealed. Under that ardent gaze, Hermione felt her nipples harden, poking through the sheer fabric proudly. She wore no undergarments, not seeing their purpose. Her chest flushed, and although she felt like hiding, she stood still.
"Merlin. You are stunning," Minerva said tremulously, her hand reaching out to stroke Hermione's collarbones.
Feeling as if she would faint from the overwhelming waves of arousal flowing over her, Hermione took a shuddering breath. She leaned in for a fortifying kiss, her hands busy with removing Minerva's robes. Underneath she wore a forest-green dress. Although the neckline was modest, the dress was sleeveless and split up the side, revealing toned arms and legs. Hermione's mouth watered at the sight.
"You are gorgeous," Hermione said in a hushed voice. "I want you so much." They kissed again, longing and need driving them to the side of the four-poster bed.
It was large, with a thick tartan comforter and a warm fleece blanket covering champagne-colored satin sheets. Hermione felt urgent hands at the hem of her negligée just before it was pulled over her head. She reciprocated by turning Minerva around and unzipping her dress. Minerva stepped out of it, her matching undergarments causing Hermione to gasp. Tears pricked at her eyes as she reverently delivered kisses on the area where the scars created by four stunners had once resided. "They are gone!" she exclaimed.
"Yes," Minerva agreed softly. "A gift from a magical phoenix." Her trembling body and pleading eyes urged Hermione to continue touching her.
Without further delay, Hermione made her way to the valley between milky breasts and flicked her tongue into irresistible cleavage while reaching around to remove Minerva's bra.
As their unclothed bodies touched fully for the first time, they both moaned loudly. Hermione pulled back to allow her eyes to feast on tight nubs standing up on rounded, creamy breasts. Not able to resist, Hermione drew a breast into her mouth, her hand gently massaging as she laved it with her tongue, flicking it several times before beginning to pull upward with her lips.
Guttural moans and hands running restlessly over Hermione's back signaled that Minerva was enjoying her ministrations. Hermione switched to the other breast while gently continuing to pull at the other nipple with her fingers, twisting and pinching as Minerva sobbed, "Hermione!"
Hearing that voice uttering her name as if she were pulling it from the root of Minerva's being served as the impetus for Hermione to trail her mouth down a toned belly, her hands slipping under the silk panties' elastic to pull it down long legs. She felt a shaking hand land on her shoulder as first one leg, then the other lifted to step out of the undergarment. Hermione stood up quickly and pulled back the comforter and blanket, crawling onto the bed and turning to Minerva, her arms open.
"Please," Hermione beseeched. "I need you." She saw Minerva stop for a moment, her beautiful chest heaving, her eyes heavy with want. Hermione felt burned to the soul by the way Minerva's eyes swept over her body.
"You are so precious to me," Minerva whispered quietly before joining Hermione.
Hermione remembered the last time Minerva had uttered those words, on the night she had finished the N.E.W.T. exams and Minerva had surprised her with a celebratory dinner. It had been the day before she had joined Minerva at the Manor during the summer. And now here she was back at the Manor and in Minerva's arms.
Their lips met in a sensual kiss, Minerva setting the pace as she began to explore Hermione's body. Instinctually, Hermione arched as a breast was palmed. Minerva's lips roamed her neck and her chest in random patterns, driving Hermione crazy. When those lips covered a breast, she cried out. She had never felt so out of control, so wanton and unrestrained.
Hearing a growl, Hermione looked down into darkened eyes. What she saw mesmerized her. Minerva rested between Hermione's legs, her body covered with a sheen of perspiration. Her tongue licked Hermione's nipple strongly as Minerva rested against her lower body. Hermione couldn't help but move her hips, loving the weight against her.
"Oh, God!" Hermione cried out when Minerva gently chewed on a lovingly-abused nub, squirming at the amount of moisture gathering between her legs.
Hermione lost her breath when Minerva abandoned her breasts and began to explore her ribs, her belly, her legs. She opened her legs wider and thrust up, wanting so badly to feel Minerva.
"Minerva," she muttered, her eyes closed as she became lost in sensation. Her eyes popped open when she felt hot breath between her legs. She looked down and nearly passed out from the hungry stare she received.
"I need to taste you, Hermione. Will you allow it?" Minerva asked, her voice a husky burr that skittered up Hermione's spine.
"Yes! Please!" Hermione nearly shouted. She whimpered as she watched Minerva slowly part her swollen folds with her fingers. She felt a hot tongue lick her entire length, and she pushed her pelvis upward in response. Strong hands pinned her hips to the mattress as Minerva began to nibble on her opening.
Hermione could never have imagined how exquisite this would feel. None of her research had truly described the sensations experienced when making love.
Minerva licked her over and over, sometimes dipping into her opening, other times hitting her bundle of nerves, causing Hermione to chase after that wicked tongue with her body. She fell into a rhythm, slowly gyrating under Minerva as she mewled and panted. She loved everything Minerva was doing to her, and wanted more. So much more. She could feel pressure building, a spreading of warmth that she opened herself up to, even holding her breath in anticipation as her body reacted each time Minerva's tongue hit her a certain way. Soon, Minerva concentrated on that area exclusively—so sensitive that it nearly burned as Minerva's tongue flickered over it and sucked lightly.
Feeling as if she were racing toward something momentous, Hermione closed her eyes tightly and tangled a hand in raven locks. She began pushing against Minerva quickly, her breathing jagged as sensation traveled through her body. "Minerva!" she cried out suddenly, thankful to feel a hand clasping hers, grounding her as she rode through the intense orgasm.
She took some long, deep breaths as her body began to settle down. That had felt fantastic, but her body was still taut with expectation. She wanted to be filled, and she knew Minerva could make her feel complete. Looking down into feverish eyes, she could read the knowledge in them. Minerva began to nibble again as her fingers entered just inside Hermione's opening. She pressed upward, wanting to feel more, but Minerva kept her fingers at the entrance.
"Minerva. What are you doing to me? I need you! Please, please!" Hermione cried out gutturally.
"Are you sure?" Minerva asked, her eyes searing Hermione. She knew what was being asked of her. Minerva did not want her to ever regret this day, this moment. Nor would she. She loved Minerva, and she wanted to give herself over completely. Irrevocably.
"Yes!" Hermione answered firmly, squeezing the hand still holding hers.
Lips kissed the inside of her thighs before Minerva returned to Hermione's bundle of nerves and licked it strongly with her talented tongue. "Oh!" Hermione said, surprised at just how good it felt. In the next moment a finger smoothly entered her, causing her to cry out as she felt a tearing within her body. Minerva pushed in and remained still for a moment before pulling out nearly entirely, and then she repeated the action. The pain subsided quickly, replaced with spikes of pleasure as she raced toward her second orgasm. Minerva's mouth kept torturing Hermione, sucking and licking, jabbing and nibbling until Hermione was thrashing about, nearly out of her mind. "More," she demanded, wanting to be filled, feeling a different type of pressure building in her lower abdomen.
Two fingers thrust into her more forcefully, twisting to press against her in a way that made her jerk with pleasure. She could no longer keep silent, crying out and moaning constantly as their rhythm sped up. She could see the climax approaching, could feel it rushing toward her like a wave, building momentum as it raced toward the shore. With one more thrust she shouted out Minerva's name as tears overtook her. She kept thrusting, the feeling of completeness making her laugh with joy. She felt so good.
Her body spent, lethargy overtook her muscles, weighing her down. She felt Minerva shift as she gently removed her fingers, but Hermione could not find the energy to open her eyes. "I love you," she murmured as familiar arms pulled her close. She burrowed into Minerva's neck, kissing it. Hearing a gasp, Hermione began to catalog her body's reactions. Although she was undeniably tired, her energy was beginning to return. She could hear Minerva's heart racing, and the knowledge that she was causing such a reaction stirred her into action.
Hermione rose above Minerva and delivered a forceful kiss. She licked at those lips that had tortured her so deliciously and nibbled on Minerva's lower lip teasingly. Minerva's groan signified just how far gone she was. Hermione wormed her hand between them and, without warning, entered Minerva using two fingers. Minerva cried out, jerking upward. Hermione re-situated herself so that one of Minerva's legs was between hers. She began grinding against it as she thrust her fingers in and out of the tight channel, twisting them as Minerva had done so deliciously to her and rubbing against a slightly roughened patch of skin.
Hermione swallowed Minerva's gasps and moans, thrusting her tongue in time with her fingers, tasting herself. She could feel Minerva's body shaking beneath her, each thrust more pronounced. It pushed Hermione higher, urging her to gyrate against the toned leg faster.
And then the most curiously arousing feeling occurred: she felt her fingers squeezed and released as Minerva's sex contracted. Hermione looked down in awe to watch while continuing to drive her fingers into Minerva, listening to her lover's voice as she called out moments later while climaxing.
Hermione quickened her body's movements and came soon after with a triumphant roar. Hands pulled her forward for a breathtaking kiss as their bodies began to slow down. These kisses were open and wet. Hermione loved them and returned each one eagerly. As they continued to kiss, Hermione removed her fingers, only to find herself back on the bottom, Minerva repositioned so that she could grind against Hermione's center.
Breaking the kiss as their juices mingled, causing an irresistible drive for Hermione to undulate against the beloved body pressing against hers, she stared into Minerva's eyes. They kept their gaze connected as Minerva set the pace. They panted as their thrusts became uncontrolled, Hermione's hands pulling on Minerva's backside with each surge to bring her closer. This orgasm, the most intense one by far, hit them both at virtually the same time. They cried out together as they rode the waves of ecstasy for several moments. By the time they slowed to a stop, Hermione felt satiated and boneless. Minerva slid off and pulled Hermione into her side, where she snuggled contentedly. Hermione distantly heard, "I love you," just before she dropped off into unconsciousness.
When Hermione awoke, she looked around, noting the darkened room. A hand running through her shortly-cropped hair made her smile. She looked up into a warm gaze. "Have I been asleep long?" Hermione asked.
"Only about an hour. I just woke up, too. You wore me out," Minerva answered with a smile.
"Ah, well, I hope I'll have the opportunity to do that quite often," Hermione said with a leer.
"Indeed, you shall," Minerva answered, her distinctive burr caressing Hermione's senses pleasantly. "How are you feeling?"
"Wonderful," Hermione said immediately. "I feel complete." The blinding smile she received made her smile in response.
"I feel that way, too." A hand roamed her back as the other one lightly ran down her neck and to the outer edge of her breast. "We have a couple of hours before dinner will be ready. Would you like to join me for a shower?" Minerva asked as her fingers stroked a breast enticingly.
Hermione felt her passion flare, and she got up quickly, extending her left hand to help Minerva rise. "Yes."
Taking the proffered hand, Minerva held on and bent over the arm to deliver little kisses on Hermione's scars. She licked and nipped at it, brushing her lips over the length of Hermione's forearm with a reverence that brought tears to Hermione's eyes. Minerva sucked on her pulse point before straightening up and pulling on Hermione's hand, leading her to the master bath.
They stopped before the large marble shower and shared ardent kisses before entering it, once more reigniting the passion that simmered between them constantly. As the five shower-heads blasted hot water all over Hermione's body, she closed her eyes with a contented sigh, happy to allow her senses to be overloaded by Minerva's talented hands and mouth.