AN: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews y'all... 200+ and counting! WooooHoooo! Special thanks to jintymac for clueing me in to an awesome Maggie Smith site. Check it out at www dot dames-art dot net. Lot's of interesting stuff about our favorite Dame!
THE TIES THAT BIND
Chapter 14
FOOT WASHING WEASLEY STYLE
Minerva held the small, soft hand of her fiance tightly. Consternation clearly readable on her beautiful face. Her mind was a maelstrom of unsettled thoughts stemming from the conversation she'd had with Fiona. She needed to sort through this with Hermione.
The couple stepped out into the main courtyard of the manor. Minerva pulled the heavy mahogany door tightly closed and led her young love over to the huge fountain the main drive circled around. A huge bronze lion dominated the center of the pond. Water spurting out of the claws of it's raised front paw and out of it's opened mouth. A waist high stone wall encircled the pond and held the water in. It also provided a nice place to sit which is what the older witch did.
Hermione knew Minerva was upset. She just wasn't sure if it was shock or anger, "Hey you..." She whispered, moving to stand directly in front of her love.
The latter opened her thighs a bit and pulled the young witch closer.
Hermione ran gentle fingers through the silky soft ebony tresses held in a loose pony-tail down the older witch's back. Her eyes held all the love and longing she felt for the beautiful woman, so obviously troubled, "Talk to me?"
Minerva gazed up into the warm chocolate eyes of her love. She could see compassion burning in those liquid depths. Wrapping her strong arms around Hermione's slim waist, she pulled the younger witch against her own body and buried her face against her fiance's abdomen. Specifically, against her lower tummy. She felt gentle fingers combing through her silky hair.
"There is going to be some physical changes to my body after I take the potion." The sentence was muffled, as Minerva appeared to be speaking to Hermione's empty womb.
The young witch nodded and replied, "I know."
Realizing that her wife-to-be had more than likely studied the process whilst earning her degree caused the older witch to pull back and gaze intensely into Hermione's deep brown depths. "So you already know..." She waited for Hermione's slow nod before she continued, "Then why did you not say something?"
She wasn't prepared for the amused smile that made it's way across the young woman's lovely face, nor her reply, "I honestly thought that you already knew."
A rueful grin made it's way to Minerva, "Sadly, I never really thought about it." She gave a wistful sigh and added, "Until you came into my life, I figured that the chance for children had passed me by." She ran her hands up Hermione's back, up to caress the back of her neck and finally coming around to cup her soft cheeks. She gently urged the young woman down a bit and placed a tender kiss upon the plump, honey sweet lips whispering, "You have given me a second chance at so many things. I guess I never got around to researching the "how to's" of baby making with you."
Hermione grinned, eyes twinkling as she said, "I guess I've gone and turned your whole world upside down then."
A deep chuckle was the only response the young witch received as the couple simply held each other closely. Relishing the closeness. The intimacy.
After several minutes, Hermione reached down and tipped Minerva's chin up to face her, "Are you going to be alright with this?"
Intense green eyes stared up at her. They were clouded with mixed emotions, "I'm a bit nervous. I don't like the idea of having extra bits added to my body." She frowned as Hermione threw back her head, her wild mane splashing about her shoulders, and laughed.
"You're going to have two extra bits. That's all." Before Minerva could object, the young witch continued, "A seminal tube inside your clitoris that connects to a tiny testicle. That's all!" She could see the storm forming on her love's face, so she added, "We don't have to do this at all you know."
That hushed Minerva for the moment.
The ensuing silence lasted about 2 minutes before a large, brown owl landed in the fountain beside them with a huge feathery splash!
Errol.
Both witches jumped as icy water covered them.
"Ahhhh! That's freezing!"
"Bloody idiotic owl!"
The owl in question, floated for a moment, then made his way to the edge of the fountain. Hooting apologetically, he stuck out his foot.
Hermione stepped over to Errol and unfastened the parchment tied to the owl's leg. Reading it, she said, "Molly has a "Foot Washing" planned for us tonight."
Minerva rolled her eyes, "Oh Merlin..."
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Molly Weasley stood with her hands on her ample hips. The back yard of the Burrow had been transformed into a party area. Who needed a fancy ballroom when you had the grandeur of nature at your back door? Turning towards the house, she bellowed, "Well are you going to bring it out or what?"
The kitchen door opened and several people trooped out, each carrying or levitating something.
Arthur Weasley was levitating a large table followed by several long benches. George Weasley was carrying a large platter filled with finger foods with several other platters floating behind him. Percy Weasley was doing the same as George. Bill Weasley had a mini bar and glassware.
Neville Longbottom had the floral centerpiece for the table. A lovely arrangement of roses and carnations with two plastic witches poked into the top. One of the little plastic witches had long black hair, green robes and tiny spectacles. The other had wavy brownish hair, a huge smile and was a bit shorter. The second tiny witch appeared to have rather generous curves as well.
Ron Weasley carried a dozen or so bottles of firewhiskey. Several other bottles including Jim Beam whiskey, red, white & blush wine, butterbeer and Hermione's favorite German Reisling floated behind him.
Harry Potter carried a massive pile of towels with several blankets floating behind him.
Filius Flitwick stood by puffing his pipe and grinning like a madman. This was going to be memorable! He had been so delighted when he'd received the invitation from Molly.
Next out of the Burrow flowed the lovely witches invited to participate in this ritual.
Rolanda Hooch escourted Jean Granger. The two women glowing in their love for each other. It was so bright that more than once Molly had asked them to tone it down a bit. The spiky haired Hooch had chuckled and pulled her lover into her arms. Jean Granger had blushed a bit, but delighted in being in Ro's protective embrace.
Ginny Weasley had followed the lovers out the door, grinning from ear to ear. She could see their aura's and basked in the warm feelings they instilled. She also snickered as her boyfriend stumbled a bit and dropped the towels. Her snicker turned to outright laughter as her mother cuffed Harry in the back of the head.
Fleur Delacore-Weasley glided across the lawn in a very "veela" kind of way. Her four year old daughter Victoire trotting beside her mother.
Angelina Johnson gracefully padded a few paces behind. The beautiful, caramel skinned witch seeming ageless in her being with the stealth and agility of a panther.
The newest addition to the group, blonde, buxom Candi Barr giggled at the antics of the men.
Luna Lovegood stared at Candi in wonder. Curious if she could see nargles too?
Penelope Clearwater-Weasley shook her head in disdain at Luna and Candi. Where in the wizarding world did these two come from?
Bringing up the rear were Poppy Pomfrey and Pomona Sprout. The two older witches made their way over to Filius to observe the mayhem.
"This is the first time I've been invited." Pomona muttered watching as Neville carefully placed the centerpiece on the table that Arthur had just finished arranging.
"It's madness." Poppy commented as she watched Molly levitate an antique, porcelain claw foot tub out of Arthur's workshop. She grinned brightly and added, "Brilliant madness!"
The mayhem came to a screeching halt at the sound of a powerful thunderclap.
Standing at the edge of the garden were the guests of the hour plus one. Minerva McGonagall was dressed in a pair of black capri pants with a v-neck, half sleeved dark green cotton pull-over. Quite muggle in fact. Not surprising considering her fiance. Her hair was pulled back in it's customary bun, albeit a tad looser than normal. Her attire complimented that of the shorter witch standing beside her.
Hermione Granger stood grinning cheekily at the arrangements underway. The young witch was wearing white capri's with a light blue tank top. Her deep brown eyes sparkled with excitement.
Dawn Granger rounded out the group. She let go of Minerva and Hermione's arms saying, "Whoa! That was way cool Stick! Can we do it again? What do you call it? Appledition??" The young woman grinned brightly up at her soon-to-be big sister.
Minerva smiled indulgently, "The term is apparation dear."
Apparition was just way too cool! She was dressed in jeans and a pink tank top. She turned and gazed at the gathering before them. Spying her boyfriend, she exclaimed, "Ron!"
The young man turned at the sound of Dawn's voice. Seeing his girlfriend, he muttered, "Here take these." Sprinting towards the new arrivals.
Meanwhile the bottles he thrust into Harry's arms bobbled dangerously. Ginny's blue eyes widened as she watched her boyfriend attempt to juggle liquor bottles. "Wingardium Leviosa!" She cried, whipping her wand out. Thankfully none of the bottles crashed to the ground and were safely levitated to the mini bar Bill was setting up.
Dawn left the two women she arrived with and ran into the outstretched arms of her boyfriend. A long, sweet kiss ensued as well as cat calls all around...
"WooooHoooo!"
"Way to go Butterfly! Go get your man!"
"Uh Molly?..."
"Nevermind!"
"I never knew the git had it in 'em!"
"You know Tabby, we kiss like that.."
"I think we always will my sweet Kitten." Minerva wrapped an arm around her fiance and whispered, "Look at your mother."
Hermione glanced over at Jean to see a kind of apprehensive guarded happiness etched into the fine lines of her face as the woman gazed at her youngest child. She frowned, wondering at her mother's expression. Looking up she stared into emerald green and asked, "What is that about?"
Minerva shook her head, "I am not sure it is my place to ask." She had seen the expression a few times recently and wondered what is was about Dawn that had Jean so concerned.
Hermione reached up and cupped the elegant jaw, "Oh yes it is. You're as much a part of this family as I am."
The older witch never got a chance to reply as Molly called to everyone, "Gather 'round. It's time for a celebration!"
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Molly Weasley was drunk. Flat out, totally snockered, three sheets to the wind. Whatever you would call it, she was it.
With that pleasantly unimportant fact in mind, the buxom red head unsteadily weaved her way through the crowd of wizards and witches who had joined her in this state of inebriation. A half empty bottle of Jim Beam clutched in her hand. She tried to remember why she was drinking it in the first place. Scratching her head, she pulled at Arthur.
The Weasley patriarch had been surreptitiously following his addled wife as she tottered about. "Why is everyone drinking again?" He heard his wife mumble. Smiling, his clear blue eyes twinkled as he replied, "Cuz it's the Scottish thing to do!" He caught the twinkle in Minerva's eyes as she heard his comment.
"Oh. OK." Molly took a sip from her bottle and went back to wandering aimlessly about the party.
A cluster of witches surrounded the table that held an enormous cheesecake. Eagerly they spooned the delicious dessert directly from the main platter. Never mind using plates.
"Zis tase like papier!" Fleur complained in her whispy voice and leaning slightly to the left.
Ginny let out a loud hiccup and rolled her eyes, "That's 'cuz you're eating the wrapper! Dumb arse!"
Hermione and Minerva, who were leaning against each other burst into sniggers at Ginny's remark. The two witches weren't quite drunk yet, although Hermione was well on her way. They decided to huddle together for safety's sake.
Especially with Pomona Sprout and Luna Lovegood shooting everyone with Weasley's Wizarding Wheezies latest version of the magical water pistol. It fired pumpkin juice in every color of the rainbow. Judging from Filius' amazing tie-dye shirt, the toy was quite powerful.
His shirt had been white.
The tiny Charm's Professor glared at his wife, "Mona when we get home you are sooo gonna get it!"
The Herbology Professor stopped abruptly and asked, "Promise?" Her dark eyes twinkled mischieviously.
Harry, Ron and Ginny giggled at the blush that flushed poor Flitwick's small face.
Meanwhile, Molly stumbled over to the claw foot tub and bellowed, "Minerva! Make this bigger please!"
The Headmistress sauntered over to the tub Molly was standing next to. Hermione followed, ducking Pomona Sprout's deadlly aim, "Ha! Missed me!"
The next shot didn't. Hermione had a raspberry colored stain right between her ample breasts, "Tabby! Look what she did!"
Waving her wand, Minerva enlarged the tub, then turned to her love. Seeing the stain on Hermione's chest, she narrowed her eyes at Pomona and hissed.
"Don't be messin' wid Minnie's toys now Mona!" That came from Rolanda Hooch. The Quiddich referee was lounging on a chaise with Jean Granger on her lap. The two women were sharing a bottle of red wine.
Jean snorted and took the bottle away, "You've certainly had enough to drink." She gasped as Ro pulled her into a sloppy kiss.
Minerva snorted and turned to Hermione, "What are we supposed to be doing again?"
Hearing this, Molly shouted, "Yer s'pozed to be in the tub for feet wishing... no... foot washing!"
George Weasley perked up, "Really? Are they gonna be naked? Let me get the camera!"
Ginny took a rather large gob of cheesecake onto her spoon, tilted it back catapult style, and let it fly. Right into the side of her big brother's head.
"Hey!!" George's eyes widened as he wiped cheesecake off of his ear and the side of his head. Seeing Ginny duck behind Harry, he found a cupcake and flung it back. Naturally, Ginny was long gone and said cupcake impacted Harry right between the eyes.
"Whut! Hey!" Harry Potter wiped crumbs and icing from his face and glasses and looked to see where George had gone.
In the meantime, Candi Barr had seen what had happened and broke into hysterical giggles. The blonde beach witch never saw the hot dog that bounced off her chin. "Like totally ewww!" She wailed, looking to see who'd thrown it.
Angelina Johnson's dark eyes were innocently looking at the sky. It was the out of character whistle that gave her away. Even someone as slightly thick as Candi figured that one out.
Molly saw that her party was deteriorating into a food fight and marched straight into the fray. Only to be pelted on four sides with various edible items. "That will be enough!"
No one heard a blessed thing and the food flew!
Minerva grabbed Hermione and both witches slid into the empty tub. It was large enough now that no one could see them. Pulling Hermione against her body, the older witch whispered, "Welcome to the family?" Then pressed an impressive smooch on the young witch's very kissable lips.
Hermione's saucy laugh echoed throughout the valley causing everyone to stop and look to the tub curiously. Food covered witches and wizards quietly crept over to the tub. Encircling it carefully, they peered over the edge to see Minerva McGonagall and Hermione Granger engaged in a furiously passionate kiss.
"Whoa!" A brown haired, brown eyed, icing covered young woman exclaimed.
"WoooHoooo!" A spiky haired individual covered in chocolate sauce threw a fist into the air.
"Yeah baby!" Someone, a male, with red hair muttered.
A loud clearing of the throat broke apart the snogging witches.
"Wha...?" The Headmistress raised her head, an eyebrow cocking as she took in the food covered people around her.
Surprisingly Poppy Pomfrey was the only person not covered in food goo. She smiled warmly and said, "Been a wee busy have we?"
The entire group snickered at the deep, beet red blush that decorated Minerva's elegant features.
Hermione sat up and adjusted her tank top which had somehow risen dangerously high, "Well we just thought we'd stay out of trouble right here." She flashed the "cheshire cat" grin cheekily.
Molly laughed as she waved her wand, "Too right! Scourgify!"
Suddenly everyone was sparkly clean.
With another wave of the wand, the tub was suddenly filled with warm water and bubbles... and two very surprised and now completely soaked witches.
"Hey!"
"I think you were supposed to wait until we were sitting on the edge Molly."
The red haired witch grinned, "Ooops! My bad!"
-to be continued
AN: Thank you Tan for making me smile enough to get this chapter done.
