AN: Thanks again for all the kind words. Dedicated to my sweet Bunny... I'm so sorry. You are the light that guides my way, I love you.
THE TIES THAT BIND
Chapter 9
SANDUVALL ISLAND PART II
Minerva McGonagall stared down at the item Hermione had left out for her to wear. Surely she wasn't serious? This was something a house elf might use to dust the furniture! Certainly not for a dignified witch such as herself to wear! Footsteps coming up the steps alerted her to the approach of her beloved.
"You cannot possibly expect me to wear this... this.. ATROCITY! I would loose all respectability!" Her voice had risen several octaves. The Scottish brogue had become extremely pronounced in her rant and her emerald eyes were wide and piercing.
Hermione grinned at her love's agitation. Quirking an eyebrow, she stated, "But love, you have such a beautiful body!" She padded over to her fiance, not missing the way the intense emerald eyes traveled over her lucious, shapely figure as her hips swayed with each step. Taking the older woman's left hand, she placed a gentle kiss to her knuckles and added, "Besides, as your doctor, I'm prescribing sunshine. You are way too pale. You look like a ghost."
An elegant eyebrow speared a suddenly furrowed brow, "Ghost? I do not!" She examined the pale skin on her arms.
"You do too." The statement was spoken with such firmness and clarity that Minerva realized that Hermione was correct. She needed a wee bit of sun. She watched as her young love tapped a spot on her left wrist. A wand holster appeared attached to the young witch's forearm. Hermione waved her wand and said, "Accio sun screen potion number four!" There was a bump inside the wardrobe where the young healer had stashed her medical bag. The door to the cabinet flew open and a smallish brown bottle floated over to Hermione's outstretched hand.
Minerva cocked her head as she watched, asking, "Number four?"
Grinning the young witch unstoppered the bottle and said with a smile, "It took me four tries to get the formula right." She twirled around, showing off her lovely tanned skin and added, "How do you think I managed such a fabulous tan in London?"
Minerva chuckled, "I thought it was because your father is of Mediterranean extraction!"
Hermione shook her head. Resealing the bottle, she placed it on the night table, then walked to the bed and picked up the swimming attire she'd set out for her love, "Put this on."
Minerva hesitantly reached out and took the skimpy forest green swim wear. Grumbling under her breath, she walked to a dressing screen in the corner of the lavish bedroom.
Hermione stuck out her bottom lip in a mock pout, "Aw! Don't I get to watch?"
"NO!"
She snickered to herself as she sat on the bed to wait. She thought about Minerva's objections to the outfit. It was likely her love's objections had more to do with the mixed company they had here at the villa. After all, Minerva McGonagall had no objections to parading around in front of the young witch completely naked. She looked up as the older witch stepped from behind the screen. Hermione's jaw dropped, "Wow!"
Minerva glanced down at herself, then at Hermione. The young witch's mouth was hanging open as she shamelessly leered. The older witch felt her nipples begin to tighten at her young love's expression. She quirked an eyebrow.
"Oh Tabby... You are breath taking." The young witch whispered in awe. Yes, she'd seen Minerva naked, but this was different. She frowned as she watched the older witch wrap her long arms around her chest, unconsciously hugging herself. "What is it baby?" She cooed soothingly.
The older witch padded over to her love. Raising her right arm, she turned slightly displaying the side of her body normally covered by that same arm. Four jagged lines about seven inches long raked over her ribs. Self consciously, Minerva said, "They'll see these." She lowered her arm and turned around showing the marks on her back. Stark reminders of Dolores Umbridge.
Hermione shook her head, "No they won't. They'll see what I see..." She stood and wrapped her arms around the woman she loved with all her heart, "They'll see a brave and honorable warrior who happens to be drop dead gorgeous!" With that, she stood on tip-toe and kissed Minerva's forehead. "Come on, let's go to the beach!" She moved towards the door but stopped dead when Minerva didn't budge. "What love?"
The Headmistress looked down at her swim suit, "I look like I am wearing some of your dainties."
Grinning, Hermione could see Minerva's point. Perhaps she did get a little carried away. With a smile, she waved her wand and the bikini bottoms the older witch was wearing suddenly transformed into tight gym shorts similar to what Rolanda was wearing. They sat low on Minerva's slim hips and came to the tops of her sculpted, muscular thighs. Her spectacular tight and toned abdominal muscles were displayed in all their glory. The young witch studied the forest green bikini bra and decided to leave it as it was... Showing Minerva's full breasts in all their loveliness. Yes, she could see the scars on Minerva's chest, but... "I think that will be fine." The young witch commented as she reached for the bottle of tanning potion.
Minerva glanced down at herself, then at Hermione's shapely backside as she walked to the door. "Oh my..."
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George Weasley watched as his mum and dad ambled down the path towards the beach. Molly toddled over the peach colored sand, gingerly avoiding sharp shells and pebbles that could possibly cut her small feet. Draped over her arm were two brightly colored extra large beach towels. Arthur, carrying several beach totes, followed closely behind his wife admiring the movement of his wife's backside as she made her way towards the group setting up further down towards the ocean. Grinning, George hoped that someday he would find a woman that he could be as devoted to as his father was to his mother. Hearing a noise on the stairs, he turned his attention back to the house and saw Hermione making her way to the porch. Behind the beautiful young witch was an equally beautiful older witch. George's clear blue eyes widened.
"Wow!" He muttered softly. Minerva McGonagall was stunning! Quirking an eyebrow mischieviously, he let out a wolf whistle followed by, "Damn Professor! You're soooo hot!" The older woman had a body like a goddess. Bloody Hermione was lucky! Glancing back at the shapely younger woman, he amended his thought... Minerva was just as lucky! Merlin!
A huge blush appeared on Minerva's face and made it's way down her neck to her shoulders and down between her full breasts. Bugger George Weasley! Frowning, she growled, "Dammit!" She waved her wand over one of the towels in her hand and watched as it transfigured into a men's white button down shirt. Shrugging it over her body, she shot her fiance a meaningful look.
"Shit." Hermione grumbled as she stomped over to George and promptly cuffed him in the back of his red head. "You arse!" She hissed angrily, then added, "Do you know how hard it was to get her into that outfit?"
George had the good grace to blush slightly and lower his head, "Sorry." He looked up and made eye contact with Minerva. Standing, he shot a saucy wink at the older woman and stated, "You are a beautiful woman Minerva McGonagall." He nodded at Hermione and added, "And you? You are simply the sexiest witch I have ever laid eyes on." He saluted both women and started down the steps towards the beach throwing over his shoulder one last comment, "They're down below, waiting for you." He headed in the opposite direction of the group fully intending on exploring the beach a bit.
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"What do you suppose they're doing?" Harry asked as he laid out the beach blanket that Ginny had brought down. He snuck an appreciative glance at his black string bikini clad girlfriend. The latter was on the opposite side of the blanket smoothing out the wrinkles. She looked up and saw the look in Harry's eyes.
"Behave yourself." She hissed sliding her eyes in the direction of her parents.
Arthur heard the whispered conversation and nudged his wife, "Do you think they might announce their engagement any time soon? The looks Harry keeps giving Ginny make me think grandchildren aren't too far away."
Molly turned from her task of unpacking more blankets and towels from the bags her husband had carried from the house. Glancing over at her daughter and Harry, she quirked an eyebrow, "Maybe a nudge or two in the marriage direction wouldn't hurt." She frowned and added, "I would like for her to finish college first."
Surprised, Arthur smiled, "Here I thought you couldn't wait for grandchildren to be racing around under foot." He grinned at the soft, gooey expression Molly's sweet face took on.
"I do. But, the times have changed dear. It's not like it was when we were young." She ran a gentle hand through her wavy, crimson tresses saying, "Yes, I know the wizarding world needs to be repopulated, but I think I'd like it better if the people repopulating it were also educated. After all, they're the ones who will be running things soon enough."
"Here! Here!"
She looked up to see Rolanda Hooch nodding her agreement with Molly's statement. The Flying Instructor and Jean Granger were setting up an oversized beach umbrella. She couldn't help but grin at the peeks Rolanda kept shooting at Jean's shapely long legs. The elder Granger was truly a lovely woman. Rubbing her hands together, she thought, "Ah yes, yet another couple who needs a "push" in the proper direction."
Rolanda Hooch thrust the umbrella pole deep into the sand. She'd been listening to the Weasley's conversation and she wholeheartedly agreed with Molly. Movement out of the corner of her eye caused her to turn towards the direction of the house. Everyone in the group caught her motion and turned as well.
Minerva and Hermione had arrived.
Rolanda thrust two fingers into her mouth and let loose a shrill whistle followed by, "WooooHooo! Ladies!" She could hear good natured chuckles rippling thoughout the group. Truthfully though, there was definitely nothing to laugh at. Those two were smoking hot! Although Minerva was covered up, her legs were awesome. Muscles danced with each sure footed step the older witch took. And Hermione? Merlin! The witch could be the centerfold in Playwizard Magazine if she wished. With a mischievious expression, she pulled her wand and said quite loudly, "Accio Minerva's shirt!" Grinning, she watched as the white button down shirt her friend was wearing immediately pulled away from the older witch's stunning body and floated over to her outstretched hand. The small group let out a collective gasp at the toned, athletic full breasted body revealed to them.
"Hey!" The older witch thundered pulling her wand and aiming it at Hooch. The latter's golden eyes widened in shock.
"None of that!" Came a commanding tone in the highest pitched voice anyone had ever heard. Dawn Granger stood and placed herself between the two older women. She was pretty sure Minerva wouldn't hurt Rolanda. "What is this all about?" Placing her hands on her slim hips, she raised an eyebrow and looked at her future big sister with a critical eye.
"Why were you covered up? Stick, you have a great body."
She grinned as she noticed an elegant eyebrow raised in her direction. Turning to Rolanda, she snatched the shirt away from her mum's love and whispered, "That wasn't very smart. She would whup yo ass!" The last part was said in an "American" accent. With a grin, she bumped her hip against Rolanda, then walked over to Minerva and handed her the shirt saying, "If you put that back on, I will be very upset with you."
"Cheeky brat."
Dawn grinned and shot a wink at Hermione, "Tell her..."
The latter simply shrugged, tossing the towels she'd carried down from the villa into the large pile at the edge of the blanket Harry and Ginny had just finished laying out. "She doesn't believe me when I tell her she's gorgeous." There was a slight snarkiness in her tone. Hermione turned and placed her hands on her shapely hips. Cocking her head slightly, she tossed her unruly mane to one shoulder. She knew she'd get Minerva's attention.
She was right.
Crooking her finger, she indicated that she wanted her fiance near. The older woman sighed ignoring the stares she was getting from Harry, Ron and Arthur. She stepped over to her young love. The men's various partners didn't ignore them though...
Harry was smacked on the side of his head.
Ron was elbowed in the ribs.
Arthur was punched quite hard in the arm.
Jean started giggling. She turned to Ro and laughed heartily. The Flying Instructor joining in the mirth. "I knew this was going to be a hoot!" Jean whispered in Ro's ear. The latter threw back her silver spiked head and cackled.
Hermione led Minerva over to where Arthur and Molly were sitting, "May we join you?" She asked politely. The older couple nodded, both smiling broadly. The young witch pulled her wand from inside the holster attached to her forearm, then reaching between her breasts, she pulled out a bag she'd miniaturized earlier. She waved her wand, enlarging the item and totally ignoring the incredulous stares from her fiance and Arthur Weasley. Leaning close to Molly, she whispered with a cheeky grin, "I've discovered some unexpected advantages to having large breasts."
Molly nodded with her own cheeky grin and pulled out a pair of sunglasses she'd placed in her cleavage earlier.
Hermione snickered, then called to Minerva, "Come. Lay down here on your belly. I want to put some tanning potion on you." She looked up at the others, who were still staring at her and said, "I made enough for all of you pale people."
Dawn giggled looking at Ron and Ginny's pale freckled skin. Her boyfriend poked her in the belly, causing another giggle. Ron grinned and said, "We can't all be blessed with Mediterranean genes." He indicated Dawn and Hermione's sun darkened skin.
"Bitches!" Came from Ginny who threw a towel at Dawn. The young witch caught it laughing and promptly threw it back.
Molly watched the by-play with a happy, motherly expression in her twinkling blue eyes. She watched as Minerva, graceful and cat-like stretched her tall frame out on the blanket as Hermione opened the bottle of tanning potion. The older Weasley laughed outloud as the young healer proceeded to straddle Minerva's slim hips, sitting on the older witch's compact, muscular bum.
"Well just make yourself comfortable why don't you?" Came the sarcastic remark from the Headmistress. Titters could be heard coming from Harry, Ginny, Ron and Dawn.
Hermione shot her friends a mischievious grin, then wiggled her hips slightly, "Thank you m'dear, I just might." She leaned down and untied the strings to Minerva's bikini top.
"What are you doing??" Came the surprised gasp from the older witch. She began to rise instinctively, but didn't get far. Hermione placed her hand on the older witch's shoulder, holding her down. "What?" The older witch demanded.
"If you don't want our little group to see your lovely breasts up close and personal, then stay put. I'm just undoing your strings so I can put the potion on you and not all over your top. Once it's absorbed into your skin, I'll retie it. All right?" The young witch was grinning madly as she looked over at her friends. She could see Ginny snickering, Harry blushing, Dawn rolling her eyes, Ron blushing, Molly laughing into her hand, Arthur blushing, her mother grinning wickedly.
Rolanda raising an eyebrow, commented with a suggestive smile, "Who knew the Headmistress of Hogwarts was such an exhibitionist."
The small group of friends and family burst into hearty laughter.
Hermione proceeded to pour the potion onto her love's strongly muscled back. "Oh bugger." She groused as she realized she'd lotioned up her hands before moving Minerva's hair. Looking at Molly, she asked, "Could you move her hair aside?"
The older Weasley nodded and knelt next to her long time friend. Gathering Minerva's silky, ebony tresses, she gently pulled it to the older witch's right side. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the horrific marks on her former teacher's back. Concerned clear blue eyes met understanding chocolate. Hermione shook her head indicating that Molly was not to say anything.
Nodding in complete comprehension Molly suddenly realized why Minerva was so reluctant to take off her shirt. As she was on the older witch's right side, she also noticed the four jagged marks on Minerva's ribs. The red haired woman realized that the Headmistress was ashamed of her marks. She had to be. Leaning down, she placed a gentle kiss on the top of Minerva's head and whispered in the older woman's ear, "You have nothing to be ashamed of. As a matter of fact, I'm damned proud of you." The older witch said nothing. Molly didn't notice a single tear squeeze out of the corner of Minerva's closed eye.
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A few hours later found that the majority of the small group had migrated into or near the cool waves of the Caribbean Sea. Harry and Ron were bodysurfing while Ginny and Arthur walked along the beach picking up interesting shells. Hermione and Dawn splashed each other playfully in the surf. The sisters weren't too keen on swimming. Especially after Hermione nearly drowned the previous summer, so they just stayed in the water close to the beach.
Minerva was sitting up, her long arms wrapped around her bent knees. She was watching the sisters intently. Making sure a wave didn't knock them down. Her vigilence wasn't lost on the remaining women sitting near her. Rolanda nudged Jean pointing over at Minerva. The dark eyed woman smiled softly. Leaning in, she whispered in Ro's ear, "I can't imagine a better protector for my eldest daughter than Minerva McGonagall." She noticed the shiver that rippled through Rolanda's body at her close proximity. Sighing, she placed a gentle kiss just below the Flying Instructor's ear and added, "Or a better protector for my younger one than you."
The older witch looked away as her yellow hawk-like eyes filled with tears. No woman had ever made her feel as protected or appreciated as much as Jean Granger did. She felt a soft hand on her chin.
"Hey you..." Jean said, coaxing Ro's face towards her own. As Rolanda turned to look at her, Jean could see the tears the tough witch was trying to prevent. Smiling gently, the muggle woman leaned in and placed a tender kiss on her paramour's lips. "I love you."
"Being a cat has it's benefits" was Minerva's first thought as she listened to the whispered conversation between Jean and her closest friend. Then again... sometimes it was down right rude. With that thought in mind, she gracefully rose and headed towards her fiance and future little sister.
Molly sat back and watched the elegant witch make her way to Hermione's side. She smiled as she watched Hermione's eyes light up at Minerva's presence. A goofy grin quirked her lips up to one side as she watched Hermione pull the older witch into a passionate, toe-curling kiss. She giggled as she watched Dawn stick out her tongue, then lean down and proceed to splash both women. The older Weasley erupted in full blown laughter as she watched Dawn race, pell mell, down the beach followed by a large, grey tabby and a smaller brown and blonde cat. The larger cat reached out and cuffed the younger woman's ankles every few steps causing the younger Granger to squeal in delight.
Molly rose and headed in the direction of her husband and daughter. She figured she'd leave the soon-to-be-lovers alone for a bit.
Jean and Rolanda heard the laughter and turned to watch the action. Dark eyes sparkling, Jean murmured, "I love magic."
Rolanda Hooch grinned wickedly as she cast a disillusionment spell. Effectively blocking them from the view of the others. Pushing Jean down on the blanket, she whispered, "So do I."
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-to be continued
AN: I apologize for not getting this chapter out sooner. Looks like I'm going to be wearing one of those pink ribbons.
