AN: You guys are awesome! Thanks so much for all the kind words. Special thanks to MirandaMinerva for the medical jargon. Dedicated to my beta, the amazing TanithW.
THE TIES THAT BIND
Chapter 25
CHRISTMAS
T'was a week before Christmas at Hogwarts. An air of excitement and joy permeated the hallowed halls of the ancient castle so palpable that even the most sombre of ghosts like Ravenclaw's Grey Lady had a small smile on her translucent lips.
Filius Flitwick and Pomona Sprout had decided to spend Christmas at the castle overseeing those few students who would be remaining for one reason or another. They had taken it upon themselves to invite those remaining to join in decorating the gigantic Christmas tree Hagrid had brought in.
The twenty or so students gathered around dozens of crates that Argus Filch had dragged up from the basements. The assortment of ornaments was amazing. Some dating back to the founders. That special assortment was kept in a magically sealed chest that could only be opened by the Headmistress. Flitwick had summoned Minerva from her office for this special task. The tall, emerald eyed witch had visibly brightened at the diminutive professor's request. Christmas had always been one of her favorite holidays. This one being even more special because she got to share it with her four month's pregnant wife.
Minerva had laid her long fingered hand upon the top of the small wooden chest and channelled the special magic granted to the Head of the school by the castle itself.
The students had watched in awe as the Headmistress had found herself wrapped in a glow of swirling color consisting of the emerald green of Slytherin house, the scarlet red of Gryffindor, the mustard yellow of Hufflepuff and the navy blue of Ravenclaw. A deep sort of humming sound erupted from the very stones of the great hall as the tiny wooden chest unlocked itself and the lid slowly opened.
Inside was an assortment of carefully wrapped baubles and bangles and such.
Minerva had reached inside and gently pulled out four wrapped parcels. She had placed them on a nearby dining table and waved her wand over the packages. One by one they had unwrapped themselves revealing to the students hand wrought ornaments created by the founders themselves.
A wrought iron snake coiled and ready to strike hammered out of molten metal by Salazar Slytherin himself. The green enamel coloring having flaked a bit over time. A look of deep respect passed over Minerva's elegant face as she turned to the four Slytherin students remaining for the holiday, "Who would like the honour of placing this on the tree?"
A tall blonde seventh year witch stepped forward and with a look of awed reverence plucked the snake from the Headmistress' hand. Carefully she walked to the tree and placed the ornament at the front center of the majestic fir tree. Smirking, the student moved back to her housemates who had gathered around a box of assorted decorations.
Shaking her head slightly, Minerva unwrapped the next item. A Badger carved out of ancient English Oak. Painstakingly sanded and colored by Helga Hufflepuff herself. The wooden object had darkened with age and would've disintegrated by now if not for an ingenious preservation spell created and cast on the item over a thousand years ago by the industrious Hufflepuff.
The Headmistress gazed at the ornament for a moment admiring the craftsmanship and amazing detail of the symbol the founder had created. With a gentle smile, she gazed at the group of seven Hufflepuff students holding her hand out. A muscular sixth year stepped forward. The young man, also a beater for the house quidditch team, respectfully nodded to his Headmistress and took the ornament from her elegant hand. Stepping up to the tree, he placed the item a bit to the left of the Slytherin snake. With a charming grin, he trotted back to his group.
Smiling openly now, Minerva reached out and carefully picked up a stylized set of wings surrounding a tiny grouping of scrolls. The wings were made up of magically preserved feathers from Rowena Ravenclaw's own ebony feathered familiar. The large raven had become the symbol of his mistress' house. The beautifully preserved feathers still sparkled blue-black in the light. Minerva marveled at the spell that had preserved the item with such delicate precision.
A pretty fifth year glided to the Headmistress and took the decorative item with a polite curtsy. The young woman raised an inquisitive eyebrow as she approached the enormous Christmas tree. Spying a nice spot to the right of Slytherin's snake, she attached the ornament and skipped prettily back to join the group of five Ravenclaws.
The Headmistress turned her piercing emerald gaze upon the remaining four students. Members of her own former house were these stalwart young people. She reached down and picked up the remaining item. A lion. Proud and majestic. Very much like herself. The item was of pure gold and had been carefully moulded and formed by Godric Gryffindor himself. She beckoned to the group of Gryffindors standing next to an opened crate of decorations. The group huddled momentarily and whispered amongst themselves. A collective chuckle rang out through the hall as a single seventh year strode over to the Headmistress. Taking the lion from her hand, he walked back to his group. Once again excited whispers rang out.
Minerva raised an eyebrow at the odd behavior of her cubs. What were they up to? She wondered as she watched the same young man who'd taken the ornament from her moved with quick steps to the entrance of the great hall. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw her wife and Poppy Pomfrey standing just inside the doors.
The young Gryffindor stopped in front of the young doctor and held the golden lion out to her, "If you please Dr. McGonagall, we'd like you to place the Lion of Gryffindor on the tree."
Chocolate eyes lit in delighted surprise as Hermione accepted the ornament from the young man and allowed him to escort her to the front of the hall. As she passed her surprised wife, the young woman shot the older one a saucy wink.
Pomona and Filius snickered at the antics of the Headmistress and her wife. Titters rippled softly amongst the students as Minerva blushed brightly.
Grinning, Hermione stepped up to the tree and whispered, "Wingardium Leviosa!" The golden lion gently floated out of her hand and up in the air. Guided by Hermione's thoughts, the ornament attached itself slightly above the snake near the raven's wings. Brushing her hands together, the grinning dark eyed young woman turned and marched over to her wife.
"I'll be at the clinic when you're ready to go."
The Headmistress nodded leaning down so Hermione could peck her cheek.
"Woooo Hoooooo!" Came a collective hoot from the students present.
"Oh get over it." Minerva grumbled at the students as Hermione shot them all a huge toothy grin and headed back towards Poppy.
Dawn Granger input the last piece of patient information into the clinic's computer. Looking over her shoulder in rapt fascination was Rolanda Hooch. The Flying Instructor rested her strong right hand on the young woman's shoulder. Squinting her yellow, hawk-like eyes at the monitor, she commented, "Where does all that button pushing you're doing go?"
Grinning, the young woman replied, "It's magic!"
"Cheeky brat."
The young woman giggled as she closed the file she was working on, "The term for button pushing is "typing" and this wonderful item has the potential to revolutionize record keeping in the wizarding world."
Hooch nodded sagely. She knew what Dawn was saying was true. What little she'd seen of the odd contraption had astounded not only her but Minerva as well. Both witches knew that anything connected with the muggle world would be looked on with suspicion for at least several more generations. That was the way of the world it seemed.
Dawn and Hermione were slowly changing that. One patient at a time.
Hooch was waiting for her partner who was currently occupied with a patient. Not just any patient mind you.
Molly Weasley.
Currently the red haired matriarch of the Weasley clan found herself firmly ensconced in Jean Granger's dentist's chair. The older woman had been fascinated by all the gadgets and instruments that had been laid out beside her.
Not any more.
Dentistry was painful! She winced as Jean prodded another tender spot.
Dark eyes filled with concern as the dentist gazed at her friend, "I'm sorry. I'm trying to be as gentle as I can."
"Rrr nnaa yyyrr rrrr." Molly replied, her mouth full of cotton.
Jean grinned, "I'm sorry." She carefully removed the cotton absorbents noticing a good amount of blood on them.
At that moment Hermione stepped into the room. She immediately saw the blood on the items her mother just removed from Molly's mouth. A brief frown crossed her lovely features but as she stepped into the red haired woman's field of vision, her expression became much more cheerful.
"How are you doing?"
Molly frowned, "Not liking dentistry much. It hurts."
Standing behind Molly, Jean motioned for her daughter to examine the patient herself. The young healer stepped to the side of the chair, "May I take a look?"
Molly rolled her eyes and opened wide, "Aaahhhhh..."
Immediately Hermione could see what had caused all the blood. The molars on the bottom left side were rotten and decayed. All of them. There was just enough tooth left to possibly be able to create new ones out of porcelain. There was massive redness and swelling as well. Sighing, the young woman looked into the clear blue eyes of a woman who'd been as close to her as her own mother, "There's a reason for the pain. The molars on the lower left side are decayed. You have swelling and the redness of infection. It appears that this has been going on for some time."
The older woman's eyes widened, "Is that why it hurts so much?"
Jean stepped around the chair and into view, "It's one of the reasons tooth wanding just isn't enough."
Hermione rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "I'm afraid those teeth are going to have to come out. You've probably got infection in your jaw as well. This means there may be infection in your blood too. I'm going to give you an antibiotic potion and put you on strong blood cleansing potions for the next week."
As Hermione was speaking, Jean began to gather the items she needed for what her daughter was saying. There was something else that was bothering the young doctor as well. She could hear it in her voice.
So could Molly, "What are you not telling me?"
Smiling, Hermione replied, "I need to run a few tests first. Just to check a theory."
That was all she was going to say for the moment. She looked at the tray of instruments Jean had laid out and smiled, "I don't think I'm going to need most of that. What I want you to do is to loosen the teeth first. I think I might be able to Accio them." She reached for a magical syringe saying, "I'm going to take a little blood to run some tests on."
Jean recognized the name of the summoning spell and a picture of what her daughter might be planning appeared in her mind. "That is brilliant!" She stated, a look of motherly pride on her lovely face as she watched the young healer extract a small amount of Molly's blood.
Smiling, the young doctor stepped away from her patient and motioned for the dentist to get busy.
Jean leaned over Molly, looking into her eyes, "This will hurt a bit."
Molly snorted, "Of course. What else is new?"
The older woman watched as Hermione opened a cabinet and pulled out a large blue bottle. Next she opened a drawer and grabbed a cotton swab saying, "I came up with this numbing potion while at University. The professor's liked it so much that they advised me to have the rights patented. I asked Minerva's solicitor to handle that before I graduated. I got an offer from St. Mungo's to supply them with it." She turned around to see both her mother and Molly gaping at her.
"Whut?"
Jean's mocha eyes glowed with pride as Molly whispered, "You are bloody brilliant!"
That was the last thing she was able to say after Hermione promptly stuck the swab in the potion, then swathed it over her aching teeth. That whole area of her mouth went all tingly, then she could feel nothing.
Jean stepped up next to Molly and reached for some vicious looking pliers.
Molly's blue eyes widened, "Youf nut buttin' dat on me teef!"
Hermione smiled from the doorway saying, "I forgot to mention, the numbing swab tends to play havoc with speech." With that the young doctor swept out of the examining room with a flouish.
"Cheeby 'itch!" The Weasley matriarch huffed, a line of drool sliding out of the corner of her mouth.
Grinning Jean Granger wiped the annoying spittle away, leaned over her patient and proceeded to do as her daughter asked.
"Ow!"
"Sorry... you're not supposed to be able to feel anything in your mouth." The dentist stated with a concerned frown creasing her brow.
"I dibent, yur belbow ib squishin' muh boob!"
More drool followed her statement.
"Ugh."
Hermione entered her lab taking the small phial of blood from her lab coat and placing it on the workspace. She opened a drawer and pulled out several microscope slides and after placing a drop of Molly's blood on the slide, the young doctor peered through the eyepiece.
"Hmmmm."
She could see the infection. A frown knitted her dark brows together as she considered the kind of damage the infection was causing her dear friend. She realized she needed to do a diagnostic scan of Molly. Turning on her heel, she exited the lab and re-entered the dental examination room to find her mother straddling her patient.
Eyebrows climbed up the young doctor's forehead as she asked, "What is it about that chair that does this to you mum?"
Jean Granger looked up from Molly's opened mouth. Seeing her position and the amused expression on her patient's face she blushed furiously and gazed up at her daughter, "Ummm...." She saw a glimmer of a twinkle shining in Hermione's chocolate orbs. "I couldn't get into a better position to get at that last molar!" The elder Granger stated huffily.
Hermione snickered as she watched her mother climb off Molly, then said with a evil grin, "I won't tell Rolanda."
Molly Weasley erupted in drool spewing laughter as Jean turned slightly purple at her daughter's teasing.
Hermione moved closer to Molly and waved her wand saying, "Diagnosticus!"
Immediately a floating grouping of charts and graphs appeared directly above Molly. Hermione leaned in and stared intently at one particular section of the graph.
The heart.
Jean watched as her daughter seemed focused on one thing. She noticed that Molly was watching Hermione closely as well.
The young doctor was so absorbed in her study that she didn't notice that the room became deathly silent. Not even the sound of breathing could be heard. Stroking her chin, Hermione fastened an intense chocolate gaze into slightly worried blue, "Have you been having shortness of breath? Get tired easy? Maybe a bit dizzy?"
She watched as the red head slowly nodded her voice still a bit burbly, "A bid tarred ladely. I been rudding aroun' lot."
Hermione scratched her nose, "How long have your teeth been bothering you?"
Molly appeared embarrassed, "Few years."
Jean shook her head silently, an exasperated sigh squeezing past her lips.
The young doctor smiled warmly at her mother, then pulled a stool up and sat. She was getting a bit sore from being on her feet all day. She gazed up at the graphs once more, then sighed, "Based on what I've discovered. You have a weak heart valve caused by long term tooth infection. We can fix your teeth rather easily. However, the real damage is to this valve. It's not functioning the way it should. I heard it the day you were messing around with my stethoscope. So did Poppy."
She was referring to when Poppy and Molly had been looking through some of Hermione's medical gadgets and had become fascinated by the listening device. The young doctor had listened to Molly's heart at that time and picked up on the irregular heartbeat.
"Whut does dat mead?"
"You have Mitral Valve Regurgitation." Hermione smiled softly at the widened blue eyes staring back at her. Continuing, she stated, "The infection in your teeth has spread to your blood. This in turn caused it to go to your heart. Basically you have a bad valve that needs a little help."
"Can you fix me?"
Another gentle smile soothed Molly's nerves as the young woman answered her, "Over time yes. First off, we're going to take out those bad teeth. Then we're going to put you on antibiotics to clear up the infection. I'm also going to put you on a digitalis potion to help regulate your heartbeat. With any luck that may be all that's needed. If not, then we'll discuss implanting a pacemaker."
"A whut?"
"It's a device that stimulates the heart into a regular beat."
After Molly had gone back to the burrow to discuss her health issue with Arthur, Hermione sat at her desk entering data into her blackberry. She didn't feel like walking into the office and she knew Dawn was still at the computer so she sent it remotely. A satisfied smile lighting up her lovely features as she saw a tiny message flash across her screen that Dawn had received the data. She organized her stacks of parchments and looked at her schedule for the following day. It only had a few patients listed as most of Hogsmeade was busy preparing for Christmas.
At the bottom of the stack was an opened festive red and green envelope. Hermione had received an invitation to Rosemerta's annual Christmas party several days ago. It seems that The Three Broomsticks threw a lively yuletide party every year. When she'd mentioned it to Minerva, she remembered the odd look that came over the Headmistress' stunning face. When pressed, her wife only muttered something about Albus and Rolanda table dancing.
Table dancing? When was this? Minerva wouldn't give her anymore information except to say that in year's past the party had become the stuff of legend.
The young doctor wasn't sure what to think. The Gryffindor in her wanted to check it out. The wife and mother in her was screaming for her to run home and hide under the bed. Since the party was that very night, she figured that she might as well put in an appearance.
The music was blasting out a festive... something. Rita Skeeter couldn't seem to make out whatever it was that the lead singer of the "Broom Addicts" was singing or saying or... more like screaming. She squirmed her way through the huge crowd of people packed into her partner's establishment. Spying Rosemerta behind the bar, she made her way to her stool at the very end of the long bar. Her vantage point gave her a full view of all the wonderful goings on. Raising a nicely coiffed eyebrow, she saw Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley sitting at a table near the fireplace. Joining them was another Weasley... George? and a shapely blonde woman. Rita had seen her a few times but didn't know her name.
Motion at the door caused the reporter to shift her focus. Entering the party was Rolanda Hooch and her partner Jean Granger. Rita smirked at the thought of the elder Granger turning out to be a latent "sister" as it were. Quite an attractive "sister" too. Although judging from the hellacious growl Hooch just let loose at a couple of young, randy wizards, no one had better go near Hogsmeade's Dentist. Frowning, she made a note to discover just what a "dentist" was anyway.
Entering behind the Flying Instructor and her lady love was the little town's newest star.
Dr. Hermione McGonagall and her wife. The esteemed Headmistress of Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall. Rita watched the couple as they made their way further inside. The reporter was amused at Minerva's attempt to shield her wife from any unnecessary jostling. Anyone who came near Hermione was given a glare that could've peeled the paint off the walls. You simply did not mess with Minerva McGonagall.
Or her wife for that matter. Rita watched with an amused expression as Hermione sent a hex towards George Weasley as a sparkling fizz-wing sailed towards her unruly chestnut mane, it's red and orange tendrils shooting sparks. Those bloody nuisance fireworks from Weasley's shop had started more brawls than the liquor!
Yelping, George grabbed his backside and high tailed it to the loo. A suspicious flame or two could be seen attached to his bum.
Rita looked back to the McGonagalls to see Minerva pointing a finger at her young wife. Skeeter snickered as she saw Hermione lean in and kiss her wife's fingertip. Blushing furiously the mighty Minerva McGonagall sagged noticeably. Grinning, Rita could see the power Hermione had over her older wife's heart.
It was cute.
"What are you doing?"
Rita started as she felt a poke in her shoulder. Turning, she grinned at her partner. Poor Rosemerta looked frazzled. Her kinky curls were even wilder than Hermione's. "I'm just people watching."
Rosemerta narrowed her eyes at her platinum blonde partner saying, "People watching does not generally include a quick quotes quill."
Flashing her partner a toothy grin, Rita replied, "You never know when a good piece of news will land in your lap. Besides, Luna won't let me write anything trashy dammit." She noticed her boss standing near Harry Potter's table talking to a tall, slim young woman with a waifish look about her.
As Rosemerta placed a firewhiskey in front of her, Rita grabbed her lover's wrist, "Who is that tall young lady talking to Luna?"
Glancing up, Rosemerta smiled, "Oh that's Dawn Granger. Hermione's little sister. She works in the clinic."
"Damn, there's Grangers everywhere."
"You say that like it's a bad a thing."
Both women turned to see Rolanda Hooch standing at the bar staring at them with those piercing yellow eyes.
Her stare gave Rita the shivers. Gulping, she whispered, "Brrrr."
Ignoring her partner, Rosemerta asked, "What can I get you?" She noticed that Hermione and Minerva had joined the Flying Instructor. Nodding at the two, she poured Rolanda's drink and gave the Headmistress a goblet of Firewhiskey. With a grin she set a tall glass of milk in front of Hermione saying, "Word has it you're drinking for three?"
Rita's ears perked up.
Minerva stepped closer to Hermione as if in protection. The fierce witch shot Rita Skeeter a "look". The latter had the good grace to blush a bit.
Hermione seemed oblivious to this and simply smiled at Rosemerta, "We're having a boy and a girl."
Rosemerta clapped her hands, "Twins?"
Hermione grinned and Minerva blushed and muttered, "Not exactly."
The questioning expression on both Rosemerta's and Rita's faces caused Hermione to add, "It's a long story."
Ron Weasley pulled his girlfriend onto his lap. The young woman let out a tiny purr and kissed his cheek.
"Aw that's soooo cute!" Doctor Granger commented with a cheeky grin lighting up her dark eyes.
"Shut up Hermione!" Her little sister shot back.
"Brat!"
"Preggo!"
"Tiny tits!"
"Hoochie Momma!"
Jean Granger grabbed Rolanda's wand and smacked her youngest daughter over the head with it. Shooting Hermione her "mum look", she handed the length of wood back to her incredulous partner. She cocked her head, "Whut?"
Rolanda sputtered, her hawk-like eyes wide, "We do not cuff the children with our wands. It's bad form."
Jean scrunched up her face in exasperation, "Well pardon me. Since I do not have magic..."
She was abruptly silenced as Hooch leaned over and kissed her deeply. Much to the delight of most of the table. Pulling back, Hooch said in a soft voice, "You have your own magic my love."
Dawn stuck out her tongue, "Ewww!"
She was startled by a large hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she found herself gazing into the crystal blue eyes of one Albus Dumbledore, "There is nothing "ewww" about showing the one you love just how much you care." With that, he waved his wand over Minerva's head. A sprig of Mistletoe appeared over his dear friend. He grinned at Hermione and asked, "Well?"
Not needing anymore encouragement, the young witch stepped closer to her wife. She wrapped her small hands around the older woman's waist for a moment, then slid them up over strong shoulders to Minerva's swan-like neck. Pulling her taller wife down into a sweet, tender kiss.
A kiss that lasted...
...and lasted...
...and lasted.
The Three Broomsticks suddenly became as quiet as it had ever been. Even the musicians stopped playing as the pub was slowly filled with a deep, loving, sense stealing magic. Minerva and Hermione's bonding spread out into the crowd causing bright, happy smiles and feelings of contentment.
Rita Skeeter's mouth fell open, "Wow." She whispered to her partner.
Rosemerta's eyes sparkled with something that suspiciously looked like unshed tears.
Harry and Ginny pulled each other into a toe curling snog.
Jean and Rolanda smiled at the couple, clasping each other's hand.
George Weasley looked at his date noticing a sad smile on Candi's face.
Other patrons reached for each other as they felt the swell of love blooming throughout the festive pub. A warmth filling even the emptiest of hearts.
The Mistletoe above Hermione and Minerva grew as it hovered over them. Tendrils spreading, leaves unfurling, blossoms blooming as the plant fed off the enormous love that the Animagus and the Witch of the Light shared for each other.
"If you keep that up the whole bloomin' place will be nothing but Mistletoe!"
The patrons of the pub erupted into good natured laughter as Hermione and Minerva separated, faces scarlet.
Standing in the doorway was a tall, bald wizard dressed in a purple santa suit.
"Corny!!"
Cornelius Honeyduke stood just inside the door of The Three Broomsticks. His dark eyes crinkled in amusement as he took in all the activity. The enormous Mistletoe above Minerva and Hermione swirling like the Bermuda Triangle. Sucking poor unsuspecting souls into a wave of pure love.
It was fantastic! He grinned as he pulled a large purple silk bag off of his shoulder. It was filled with various sweet treats for the people of Hogsmeade and, of course, his friends.
Albus lost his focus on the massive Mistletoe as Corny stepped over to his group. At that moment, the plant fell to the floor and all over Minerva and Hermione.
"Hey!!"
"Bloody overgrown Gobshite!"
Laughter erupted echoing throughout the warm little pub as several people moved to help the couple out of their entanglement.
Dawn sidled over to Dumbledore. The latter had continued to stare at the purple clad Santa. The young woman smirked and gave the older wizard a poke in the tummy.
"Oof! Hey what was that for?"
Grinning, the youngest Granger leaned in and whispered, "Where I come from staring is rude." She pushed him a little and added, "Go say hello." Dawn looked over at Corny. Meeting his dark eyes with her own, she shot the American a wink.
Hooch had watched the by-play with interest. There were sub-plots everywhere!
Suddenly a song blared from the pocket of Minerva's robes..
"I kissed a girl and I liked it!"
The phrase kept repeating itself as the Headmistress frantically scrabbled in her pockets for her cell phone amid more giggles and laughter...
"I kissed a girl and I liked it!"
"Bloody miserable contraption! Hermione you best fix that ringer gadget!" The older witch sniped as she pulled her phone out and answered, "Yes hello?"
She turned to find a quieter corner as Hermione sniggered at Hooch. The latter's face was nearly purple as she doubled up in hysterical laughter. Snorting, the Flying Instructor gasped through tears of laughter, "She is going to murder you."
Hermione giggled, "She won't. I'm carrying her babies!"
"So it's true then?"
The women turned to find George Weasley standing behind them, Candi Barr by his side.
Hermione nodded and patted her belly. With a smile she replied, "Yes four months now." The young healer's sharp eyes noticed tiny red spots at Candi's hairline, "Are you feeling ok?"
The buxom blonde looked startled. Nodding quickly, she answered, "Yes why?"
The healer pointed at her hairline and replied, "You have what appears to be a rash of some kind. I should take a look at that." She took a step towards the young woman.
Candi's blue eyes widened as Hermione stepped closer to her, "That's alright. I'll just get some cream from my mother."
Chocolate eyes widened, "I thought your mum was in California?"
There was an intense expression on the young American's face as she replied, "Oh no, mother is spending the holidays here with family." With that the young woman made her way towards the bar.
Hermione shot a perplexed look at George noticing as he scratched at the back of his neck, "What's wrong with you?"
Blue eyes narrowed, "One would think I've got cooties or something."
By then Minerva had rejoined the little group, "What are cooties?"
Grinning Hermione motioned for George to follow her to the door, "Let's get that taken care of shall we?" She winked at her wife, "I'll be right back."
Minerva shook her head, "I'm coming with you." She didn't want to be away from her wife. Even if it was a Weasley she was with.
Rolling her eyes at her wife's protectiveness, the young doctor escorted her patient out of the pub and back to her clinic.
"Where the bloody hell did I get sand fleas?" George Weasley bitched as he dressed. His voice was so loud that no doubt Minerva had heard all the way in the computer room. Hermione figured it wouldn't be long before Minerva asked her to figure out a way to get a computer into Hogwarts. The Scottish witch was hooked on surfing the web.
Hermione frowned trying to figure the connection between Draco Malfoy, sand fleas and George. Sand fleas from Sanduvall Island. Something she was beginning to suspect was more than a mere coincidence. Something that involved Candi Barr too. Innocently, she turned to George, "How did you and Candi get back together. I thought she dumped you at the wedding?"
The red haired man shrugged, "Dunno. I thought so too. I thought she went back to California, then one day she pops into the shop innocent as you please and starts chatting me up." He took the tube of cream the young doctor handed him.
"Put it on the itchy spots."
Grinning, George asked, "Even on my knobblies?"
Trust George to be so charmingly flirty with his healer.
"You'll need to shave the hair off before you apply the cream."
George leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear, "Who says I haven't already?"
"He's bloody lucky I did not hex his hairless knobblies off!" Minerva McGonagall raged jealously. She couldn't stop the McGonagall curse of jealousy from rearing it's ugly head.
Hermione shook her head as she brushed the floo powder from her traveling cloak. They'd just arrived at the manor, having sent George back to The Three Broomsticks to tell Rolanda, Jean and Dawn where they'd gone. The others were to arrive later. The young witch walked to the firewhiskey decanter on a side table and poured her wife a large glass full.
"Here. Drink this. Doctor's orders."
Minerva glided over to her wife and took the glass from Hermione's small hand. She'd heard the slightly miffed tone in her young wife's voice. "I'm sorry Kitten. I just get right jealous where you are concerned." Patting Hermione's "bump", she added, "Now with the bairns on the way, I am a wee bit more protective of you."
Brown eyes fastened on emerald, "Just a wee bit?"
"Well, a lot more than a wee bit."
"That's what I thought."
Nostrils flaring, the older witch muttered, "Come 'ere saucy wench."
The young woman went willingly into the strong arms of her wife. As those powerful arms encased her in a warm, loving embrace Hermione felt her whole body relax. A contented sigh escaped her lips, "I love you Tabby."
"I love you my Kitten."
Sweet soft lips pressed themselves to her forehead. The young witch felt her senses overwhelm as the evergreen and heather scent of her wife engulfed her. She felt her clothing slowly removing itself as tender kisses left the skin of her neck twitching with tingles. Tiny nips chased the tingles away, turning them to a deep cascade of pleasure. Moaning, Hermione sought her wife's lips with her own.
Tender and gentle became hard and needy.
Suddenly a plush, velvet blanket the color of the night appeared at their naked feet. Down they went, Hermione on her back. Minerva atop her. Hands gliding over silky curves. Well placed kisses causing gasps and groans from both of them.
A deep growl rumbled from Minerva's chest as she touched her hungry mouth to the skin surrounding Hermione's coral colored nipple. A raspy tongue slowly slid over the bud causing instant hardness. The young woman threw her head back and moaned her appreciation.
"Oh God that feels so good."
Her answer was that same nipple being pulled between Minerva's lips and the scraping of teeth against the sensitive bud. Hermione raked her fingernails down her wife's muscular back. Trailing hotness to the older woman's compact backside. The young woman loved to feel Minerva's bum against her hands. It was so erotic.
The older witch lavished her wife's ample breasts with licks, nips and deep suckles. Loving the feel of Hermione's curvy body writhing beneath her. Reveling in the way her soft skin slid against her own. It was as close to paradise as the Headmistress could get.
Having her young wife here at the manor. Glowing with her pregnancy. Here in front of the fire with not a care in the world. Just them expressing their love.
Divine.
Small fingers slipped between the muscled globes of Minerva's backside and slowly made their way downward to the older witch's throbbing centre. The determined fingers carefully found their goal and coated themselves in the creamy silk of the green eyed woman's essence. Moving through her wet folds to the aroused pearl. Gently stroking over it.
Minerva felt her body spasm with the overload of pleasure that her wife was giving her, "Aye m'love.. Mmmmmm." The older witch crooned her approval.
Hermione's fingers found her aching centre and plunged inside causing Minerva to arch her back and let out a wail, "'Mione!"
The young witch kept her pace steady and rapid. Knowing Minerva liked it that way. It wasn't often that the older witch wanted to be penetrated, but when she did... woo hooo... look out! Carefully, the smaller witch urged her lover over onto her back so she could pleasure her from a better angle. She thrust two fingers in and out matching the rhythm of the older woman's bucking hips.
It wasn't long before a deep yowl resonated throughout McGonagall Manor as it's Mistress reached her pinnacle.
Several hours later a low whining sound erupted from the floo announcing the arrival of visitors.
Minerva and Hermione never heard a thing. The two witches were tangled up with the black velvet blanket and each other, sound asleep in front of the fire. In fact Ron Weasley had to do some fancy footwork to avoid stepping on his former Transfiguration professor.
"Blimey!" The tall red haired man exclaimed softly, his blue eyed gaze fastened upon an ocean of silky ebony tresses flowing like a river over Hermione. The young woman was tucked up against her wife, her head snuggled below Minerva's chin, her lovely face buried in the older witch's neck.
Dawn followed her boyfriend out of the fireplace, bumping into him briefly, "Ron..." She trailed off as he turned and hissed, "Shhhhh!"
Following his gaze, her mouth fell open at the view before her, "God I don't know who's worse, mum or Mione! First mum in the dentist's chair, now my sister and her wife all laying here in front of the fire."
Both young people were startled as a deep rumble emerged from the tangle of black velvet and stunning witch, "Perhaps then you might exercise discretion next time and knock before entering?"
Two emerald eyes froze the young people in their places and years of perfecting the "fish eye" on countless students came into play. Hermione stirred in her wife's embrace, muttering a sleepy, "Whut?"
"We are not alone dear."
The tone in her wife's voice caused the young doctor to immediately snap to. Chocolate eyes widened as she took in her sister and Ron standing over them, "What are you doing?"
Dawn snorted, hands on hips, "Apparently interrupting another family member having sex!"
Minerva growled as she sat up on her elbows. The velvet blanket dropping a bit, showing some cleavage, "Actually that was several hours ago."
Hermione sniggered at her wife's snarking back at Dawn.
Ron sensed that it was time to make a strategic withdrawal, "Well love, um... I'll see you tomorrow?" He leaned in and gave his girlfriend a sweet kiss. Stepping towards the floo, he grinned at Hermione, "Good seeing you two, although I think seeing less of you would have been better." He shot them a Weasley wink and stepped into the floo and disappeared as Minerva hissed at him.
As he disappeared, Hermione threw back the blanket exposing both herself and Minerva to Dawn's surprised gaze, "Oh God! I'm gonna go blind again!" The young woman scrunched her eyes closed and felt her way out of the family room. The married couple could hear the young woman muttering to herself about exhibitionism as she climbed the stairs.
Hermione shot a wicked grin at her naked wife, "Last one to the bed is a rotten egg!" She tossed the blanket over Minerva's head and raced out of the door and up the steps.
Minerva batted the blanket off of herself and abruptly changed into her animagus form. The silver and black striped tabby cat raced after the lovely, naked chestnut haired siren.
Hermione made it to the top of the stairs just as the Tabby streaked past, "Oh that is so not fair!" She grinned though and stopped. Whispering a spell to herself she transformed into a brown and blonde cat. The young witch had gotten her animagus license and was saving it as a gift for her wife. With a loud rowl, she raced after the silver tabby.
Minerva was smirking to herself as she raced to the end of the second floor hall. Her little cat whiskers quivering with excitement as she sensed victory.
Suddenly a brown and blonde cat raced by flicking the tabby with her brown tail. "Meeeow!"
Surprised the tabby stopped and watched as the cat made it to the door to their bedroom first. Hermione morphed back to her human form just as Minerva did the same. The look in the older woman's eyes was enough to prompt Hermione into saying, "Surprise!" The young woman turned on her heel, showing her wife her magnificent backside, and strode through the door.
The Mistress of the Manor stood in the hall, eyes widened with surprise. Hermione McGonagall would never cease to amaze the older witch. Smiling, she trotted after her wife with the intentions of showing the young woman just how much she truly loved her.
The next morning found Minerva sitting in her office on the third floor going through a stack of correspondence while Hermione was just next door on the second level of the library.
Izer the head elf popped to Minerva's side, "Mistress the Grands Sire needs the Lady-Miss!" The tiny creature blinked great golden eyes up at his Mistress.
"What is wrong?"
A large tear fell from the side of the elf's huge eye, "There's is sickness in's the herd."
Minerva immediately stood, "I shall see to it immediately."
Izer nodded knowing his Mistress would make things right. If she couldn't, then Lady-Miss would.
Minerva entered the second floor of the library through the door in the closet next to her office. There she found her wife thumbing through Merlin's Journals, "My love?"
The young woman looked up and smiled, "Yes dear?"
Smiling at the endearment, the Headmistress informed her wife what Izer had said. Hermione had quickly summoned her medical bag as Minerva transfigured their robes into clothing more suitable for a Scottish winter. Long, thick trousers. Tall, knee high boots, heavy jumpers, gloves, hats and heavy parkas. As the couple descended to the first floor, Minerva summoned her broom.
"It will be faster this way."
It was freezing, so Minerva tried to stay closer to the ground. Her keen eyes seeking out anything that might impair their flight. As she neared the great meadow, she could see Odaan silhouetted against the black, leafless trees of his forest. Things must be truly worrisome indeed if the great unicorn was standing out so clearly for them to see. Judging from the small hands that squeezed her just a tad bit tighter, Hermione must've felt the same way.
The older witch aimed her broom directly towards the beautiful creature. As they neared, Hermione peeked around her wife's strong shoulder to see Odaan standing still as a statue. His depthless black gaze fixed upon the two witches.
'Greetings Mistress of the Manor and The Witch of the Light.'
Minerva pulled the broom to a stop, hovering above the ground. She didn't dare dismount. Not knowing where trip hazards might be under the snow. She waved a hand at the mighty creature, "And greetings to you Great One. If you would please lead the way..."
The beautiful unicorn, his silver horn gleaming in the morning sun bowed once, then turned and cantered into the forest.
Gritting her teeth, Minerva followed saying to her wife, "Keep your head down."
A few minutes later, after ducking and dodging low hanging branches and such, the Grand Sire stopped at a cave-like formation of ancient trees and huge stones. It was a very cozy spot to spend the winter.
At least for a unicorn.
Hermione made to dismount, stopping as her wife grasped her arm, "Wait a moment."
The young doctor frowned and took a single step...
...right into a snow drift.
Carefully Minerva dismounted, bent down and pulled her floundering wife out of the snow, "I told you to wait."
Minerva McGonagall watched with undisguised pride as her young wife carefully brewed an elixir to end the hacking cough that had spread through the herd. The young woman had conjured a small cauldron from a twig and had used a modified incendio charm to literaly ignite stone. A warm fire burned where no flame ever should.
The unicorns, mainly Odaan and young Lourdane had edged nearer to watch the healer work. Their black, depthless eyes taking in every detail as the chestnut haired young witch carefully added ingredients to her brew.
A frown creased the doctor's brow as she looked up and then began looking around as if searching for something.
"What are you looking for? Perhaps I can find it?" Minerva spoke. The Headmistress was feeling way out of her league watching her wife brew. She never realized just how talented at potions Hermione truly was. She made a note to ask Severus Snape's portrait. She realized that her wife was now looking at her with a rather determined gleam in her chocolate eyes.
"What are you looking at?"
The "Cheshire Cat" grin made an appearance as the young woman rose and stepped to Minerva's side, "You are the Mistress of all the lands of the Manor... yes?"
Minerva nodded, "You know that already."
A nod was the only response she received before Hermione reached up and plucked several hairs from her head.
"Ow!!! What was that for?" The dark haired witch squeaked indignantly rubbing the top of her head.
A smile decorated Hermione's face as she said, "This potion is for all those under the protection of the Mistress. I needed a bit of you to add to it. It will act as a binding agent." With a smirk she added, "Sorry 'bout that."
Minerva frowned at her woman thinking of the spanking Hermione was going to get in their bedroom tonight. She looked on as the young woman added her hairs to the brew, stirring counter clockwise. A moment later there was a reddish glow, then the potion changed color to a deep purple.
"Perfect." The doctor exclaimed as she transfigured a stone into a deep lipped container and proceeded to ladle the potion into it. When she was finished, she stood and faced Odaan, "This will cure the cough and prevent it from spreading further. If there are any other creatures who are ill, I need to know about it."
'You shall be told.' The unicorn stepped forward and nudged his horn against her belly, 'You are half way to your time.'
Minerva could "hear" the conversation as well. She moved nearer to her wife.
Odaan noticed the movement of the Mistress and sent to Hermione only, 'Your mate is very protective.'
Glancing over at the taller witch, the young woman nodded, "Sometimes too much so."
The unicorn nudged her again, 'Enjoy it. Revel in the love she has for you. Fate is a fickle thing young one. At the blink of an eye, life can change. You must live each day as if it is your last.' He nickered for his herd to come forward and watched as Hermione administered her brew to them.
When all had received a dose, Hermione turned to the Grand Sire, "You too."
Surprise pinned his silver white ears back, 'I am not ill.'
Hermione placed a gentle hand over his side touching his soft coat almost reverently, "Yes you are. I can hear it in your breaths." She offered him the last of the potion, "I can make more if need be. I'm sure my wife would be willing to donate a few more hairs." She looked to see Minerva nodding with a smile.
Odaan leaned forward and sniffed at the concoction. Snorting at the smell, he reached his mouth for the container as Hermione tipped it helpfully. It wasn't nearly as vile tasting as the smell suggested so the unicorn drank it down. Immediately he felt a tingling in his stomach and a clearing in his breathing.
'I and my family thank you. Great Witch of the Light.'
Hermione sat back in her chair at the Burrow. The meal was delightful as all of Molly's culinary creations tended to be. Roast goose with sage stuffing, tender potatoes, carrots and peas, trays of finger foods of all sorts, a bit of haggis for Minerva, several casseroles, dumplings, breads with various jams, treacle tarts, Christmas pudding, pies and other sweets. Molly truly had outdone herself.
The young witch sat next to her wife grinning as Minerva helped herself to a third helping of haggis. Around the table the gathered group had slowed from the ravenous feeding frenzy to a casual picking at this and that.
Arthur sat at the head of one end of the table while Minerva sat at the other. She'd been offered that place of honour by both Molly and Arthur when everyone was sitting down. The look on the Headmistress's face spoke louder than any thank you ever could. Gratitude and respect gleamed in the emerald eyes of the powerful witch as she took that place. Hermione had taken the spot to her wife's right. Jean and Rolanda sitting next to her, then Dawn and Ron.
Harry and Ginny had placed themselves next and then Arthur. On the other side of the patriarch was Molly, then Bill and Fleur, Albus Dumbledore and Cornelius Honeyduke, Charlie, Percy and Penelope and George. When asked the whereabouts of Candi, George had answered quietly, "With her family I imagine."
Hermione had raised her eyebrow. Trouble with the couple again?
The food had been served and manners flew out the window amid grabbing hands, moans of appreciation and dishes being passed back and forth.
Now everyone was just casually picking at this and that. Except Ron of course. The young man plowing through plate after plate much to the fascinated amusement of the others. Dawn kept staring at him wondering how she was ever going to keep up with his appetite. Molly winked at the young woman knowing exactly what was going through her mind.
Arthur cleared his throat, "Ahem." When he saw that he had everyone's attention (even Ron's), he spoke, "We have a great deal to be thankful for." He smiled at each person as he continued, "We saw weddings this year, we saw life moving on. We saw the power of a truly great love." He nodded at Hermione and Minerva. The couple blushing at the attention.
Blue eyes twinkling, Arthur stood saying, "We were blessed to see the birth of new love." His eyes fastened on Dawn and Ron, then shifting to Jean and Rolanda. "This family has been blessed in so many ways but most especially by the gift given by Hermione."
Everyone gaped at the young doctor. The latter's chocolate eyes widened in surprise, "I didn't do anything." She whispered self consciously.
Arthur grinned, "Oh yes you did." He turned his gaze to his wife as his eyes filled with tears, "You saved my Molly for me." He tenderly ran his hand down her jaw, cupping her chin. Still gazing into his wife's mesmerizing crystal blue eyes, he stated, "I don't know what I would do if I lost her. Because of you Hermione, I'm not going to find out anytime soon."
There were heartfelt nods of agreement rippling around the table. The young witch felt Minerva's larger hand grasp her smaller one and gently squeeze.
Arthur pulled out his wand saying, "I don't have a lot of material things to offer. But I do have a deep appreciation and respect of not only you Hermione, but Jean, Dawn and especially you Minerva. I consider you all Weasley's. If not in blood, than in spirit."
He waved his wand and an orange sparkle appeared. The twinkly light floated out and touched the heads of Minerva, Hermione, Dawn, Jean, Rolanda, Albus and even Corny.
Immediately their hair color changed to bright orange.
"Happy Christmas to all of you!"
-to be continued
AN: Thank you all for your kind words throughout the year. I appreciate all the support and the various friendships offered to me through some pretty dark times in 2009. My promise to all of you is that I will try to bring you more enjoyable moments with Minerva and Hermione in the coming year. Lastly I should like to thank ButterflyRainbow for inspiring me in the first place and for being gracious enough to let me play in an AU that she created.
