Chapter Four
Albus arrived home late that night and found Hermione curled up in Minerva's arms on the sofa in front of the fire. Minerva was running her fingers through the girls' hair and smiling gently. Albus kiss the top of her head over the top of the sofa before coming into view.
"Albus," Minerva whispered, not wanting to wake Hermione. "How are you?"
"Tired. How did your day with the kitten go?"
"Well, but I'll let her tell you about that in the morning." Minerva tried to stifle a yawn, but Albus gently pulled her into his arms.
"Let's head to bed love."
Minerva nodded and Albus lifted Hermione from his wives lap and held her close as they walked through the manor halls to Hermione's bedroom before both retiring for the night, but not before Minerva had tucked her in and kissed her forehead.
The next morning and Hermione was the first to wake, she headed down to the kitchen after throwing on a long summer dress. Wanting to thank Minerva for the day out, she made breakfast in bed and when the clock struck nine, she took it up to the two Professors'.
"Good morning," she whispered as she entered the master bedroom after lightly knocking.
"Good morning Hermione," Minerva whispered back.
Albus took the tray from her and told her to get comfortable, she did and sat herself next to Minerva, still feeling a little uncomfortable around Albus.
Breakfast was an almost silent affair and Hermione rushed out as soon as everyone had finished. Minerva and Albus found her when they had dressed washing the dishes in the kitchen.
"You don't have to do that Hermione," Minerva said as she realised what the girl was doing.
"I want to," she whispered.
"Why don't you go and sit in the living room with Albus and tell him about our day yesterday, and I'll get one of the house-elves to do that?"
"Okay." Hermione slowly walked out to the living room, drying her hands on a towel as she went.
Ten minutes later, Minerva walked into the living room and smiled when she saw Hermione sat next to Albus on the sofa talking animatedly and finally looking fully relaxed. She sighed and sat herself on Albus' lap just to see how Hermione would react. Hermione paused her talking with Albus for a moment, but then smiled at Minerva and carried on.
The three were talking happily when Hermione stopped and looked at her feet.
"What's wrong kitten?" Albus asked softly.
"Can we –" Hermione shook her head. "Never mind."
"What is it Kitten?" Minerva asked just as softly.
"Can we make some cookies please?"
"Of course."
"The muggle way?"
Albus' eyes sparkled and he stood, extending his hand to Hermione. "Join me my lady?" He bowed and Hermione took his arm. Minerva followed a wide grin on her face.
Minerva sat on the dining table behind Hermione and Albus, a muggle bakery book in her hands, glasses perched on the end of her nose. She laughed when Hermione looked up at her a few minutes later; she had flour on her nose and she looked so cute. Minerva made a mental note to use Albus' pensive and make a photo for the mantel and a copy for her desk at Hogwarts.
"There, they're in the oven, all we have to do is wait," Albus declared proudly before pecking his wife on her lips and Hermione on her cheek, making her jump and drop the flour pot.
"Albus!" Hermione shouted when she looked down at her now white dress.
Minerva sat and laughed, dropping the book on the floor again startling Hermione who once again dropped the pot. "Minerva!"
Minerva smiled and tried to look innocent; that was until she too was cover in flour. "Albus!"
Albus tried to look innocent and pointed at Hermione who shook her head and pointed at Albus. Minerva giggled and threw flour onto the both of them. In classic family style, Minerva and Hermione ganged up on Albus and pretty soon the whole kitchen and dining room was covered in flour with the McGonagall 'family' lay on the floor side by side.
To Be Continued ...